Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Contract Interest Rate Contract [Member] Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract Cross Currency Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Other Contract Other Contract [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense Interest Expense [Member] Cost of Sales Cost of Sales [Member] Net Equity In Earnings Of Affiliates Net Equity In Earnings Of Affiliates [Member] Net equity in earnings of affiliates recognized as income or loss during the reporting period. Asset Impairment Expense Asset Impairment Expense [Member] Asset Impairment Expense [Member] Sale of Subsidiary Gain (Loss) Sale of Subsidiary Gain (Loss) [Member] Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) [Member] Sales Sales [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gain (Losses) Recognized in AOCL, Effective Portion Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Gains (Losses) Reclassified from AOCL into Earnings, Effective Portion Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net AOCI before tax expected increase (decrease) next 12 months Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Tax Expected Increase Decrease Next Twelve Months The pre-tax accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) expected to be recognized as an increase (decrease) to income from continuing operations before income taxes over the next twelve months as of the balance sheet date. Loss on discontinuation of cash flow hedge due to forecasted transaction probable of not occurring Loss on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring Cash flow hedge additional transaction period Cash Flow Hedge Additional Transaction Period Cash Flow Hedge Additional Transaction Period - additional time period after end of original specified time period. Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Foreign currency translation adjustment, net Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Unrealized derivative losses, net Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Unfunded pension obligations, net Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Recourse Debt Recourse Debt [Member] Recourse Debt [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 7.75% Senior Notes Due 2014 7.75% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member] 7.75% Senior Notes Due 2014 [Member] Five Point Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2024 Five Point Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] Five Point Five Zero Percent Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] 8.0% Senior Notes Due 2017 8.0% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member] 8.0% Senior Notes Due 2017 [Member] Three Percent Above Three Month LIBOR Floating Rate Notes Due June 2019 Three Percent Above Three Month LIBOR Floating Rate Notes Due June 2019 [Member] Three Percent Above Three Month LIBOR Floating Rate Notes Due June 2019 [Member] Senior Secured Term Loan LIBOR Plus 2.75% Due 2018 Senior Secured Term Loan LIBOR Plus 275 Due 2018 [Member] Senior Secured Term Loan LIBOR Plus 275 Due 2018 7.75% Senior Unsecured Note Due 2015 Senior Unsecured Note 775 Due 2015 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 9.75% Senior Unsecured Note Due 2016 Senior Unsecured Note 975 Due 2016 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt terminated amount Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Stated interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Loss on the extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Notice Call to Retire Notes Debt Instrument, Notice Call to Retire Notes Debt Instrument, Notice Call to Retire Notes Recourse Debt Covenants and Guarantees: Debt Instrument Restrictive Covenants [Abstract] Debt Instrument Restrictive Covenants [Abstract] Percentage of capital stock of foreign subsidiaries securing obligations Debt Instrument, Percentage of Capital Stock of Foreign Subsidiaries Securing Obligations Debt Instrument, Percentage of Capital Stock of Foreign Subsidiaries Securing Obligations Covenants, sale of guarantor or its subsidiaries percentage of proceeds used to repay debt Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Sale of Guarantor or Its Subsidiaries, Percentage of Proceeds Used to Repay Debt Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Sale of Guarantor or Its Subsidiaries, Percentage of Proceeds Used to Repay Debt Covenants, sale of guarantor or its subsidiaries percentage of proceeds used to repay debt if debt to cash flow is less than 5 Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Sale of Guarantor or Its Subsidiaries, Percentage of Proceeds Used to Repay Debt If Debt to Cash Flow is Less than 5 Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Sale of Guarantor or Its Subsidiaries, Percentage of Proceeds Used to Repay Debt If Debt to Cash Flow is Less than 5 Minimum ratio of operating cash flow to interest charges Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Minimum Ratio of Operating Cash Flow to Interest Charges Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Minimum Ratio of Operating Cash Flow to Interest Charges Maximum ratio of debt to cash flow Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Maximum Ratio of Debt to Cash Flow Debt Instrument, Restrictive Covenants, Maximum Ratio of Debt to Cash Flow Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Investment [Axis] Investment [Axis] Investment [Domain] Investment [Domain] UK Wind Projects UK Wind Projects [Member] UK Wind Projects [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Masinloc Subsidiary Masinloc Subsidiary [Member] Masinloc Subsidiary [Member] Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Statutory Federal tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State taxes, net of Federal tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Taxes on foreign earnings Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Percent Valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Percent Uncertain tax positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Disposition of Business, Percent Bad debt deduction Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Withholding Tax Reversals The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate attributable to withholding tax reversals. Change in tax law Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Percent Goodwill impairment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation DPL Goodwill Impairment The portion of the difference between the effective income tax rate and domestic federal statutory income tax rate attributable to DPL goodwill impairment Other—net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Component of taxes on foreign earnings Component of taxes on foreign earnings, sale of interest in Masin AES Pte Ltd. Component of taxes on foreign earnings, sale of interest in Masin AES Pte Ltd. Investment In Affiliate Ownership Percentage Sold Investment In Affiliate Ownership Percentage Sold The effective percentage of the affiliate's voting interest owned by the reporting entity (directly or indirectly) Number of U.K. Wind Projects Sold Number of U.K. Wind Projects Sold Number of U.K. Wind Projects Sold Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Leases, Operating [Abstract] Leases, Operating [Abstract] Operating lease and rental expense Operating Lease And Rental Expense Rental expense incurred for leased assets including furniture and equipment Leases Capital [Abstract] Leases, Capital [Abstract] Capital leased assets, gross Capital Leased Assets, Gross INCOME TAXES Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Parent Company Parent Company [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net income (loss) attributable to The AES Corporation Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Foreign currency translation activity: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $(7), $10 and $0, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification to earnings, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $0, $0 and $0, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax Total foreign currency translation adjustments Derivative activity: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract] Change in derivative fair value, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $51, $(31) and $33, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification to earnings, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $(37), $(32) and $(51), respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Total change in fair value of derivatives Pension activity: Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax [Abstract] Prior service cost for the period, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $0, $0 and $0, respectively Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Change in pension adjustments due to net actuarial gain (loss) for the period, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $9, $(42) and $64, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassification of earnings due to amortization of net actuarial loss, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $(0), $(5) and $(5), respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Total pension adjustments OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative By Type [Axis] Derivative By Type [Axis] Information pertinent to an understanding of a derivative instrument or group of derivative instruments on a disaggregated basis, such as for individual instruments, or small groups of similar instruments, by such instrument or grouping. Derivative By Type [Domain] Derivative By Type [Domain] DerivativeByTypeDomain Chilean Unidad De Fomento CLF Chilean Unidad De Fomento CLF [Member] Chilean Unidad de Fomento (CLF) derivative instrument. Chilean Peso CLP Chilean Peso CLP [Member] Chilean Peso (CLP) derivative instrument. Brazilian Real BRL Brazilian Real BRL [Member] Brazilian Real (BRL) derivative instrument. Euro EUR Euro EUR [Member] Euro (EUR) derivative instrument. Colombian Peso COP Colombian Peso COP [Member] Colombian Peso (COP) derivative instrument. Argentine Peso ARS Argentine Peso ARS [Member] Argentine Peso (ARS) derivative instrument. British Pound GBP British Pound GBP [Member] British Pound (GBP) derivative instrument. Kazakhstani Tenge Kazakhstani Tenge KZT [Member] Kazakhstani Tenge (KZT) derivative instrument. Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative, Name [Domain] Foreign Exchange Option and Forward Foreign Exchange Option and Forward [Member] Foreign Exchange Option and Forward [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative, notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, average remaining maturity Derivative, Average Remaining Maturity Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Foreign Defined Benefit Plans Foreign Pension Plan [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Foreign currency translation adjustments, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Foreign currency, reclassification to earnings, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Tax Change in derivative fair value, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Derivative reclassification to earnings, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax Pension, prior service cost for period, income tax Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Net Net Prior Service Costs Arising During Period Tax Tax effect on the cost (credit) resulting from a plan amendment that occurred during the period, after tax. The cost has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost. A plan amendment includes provisions that grant increased benefits based on service rendered in prior periods. Pension, amortization of net actuarial loss, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Tax Commodity Derivatives [Axis] Commodity Derivatives [Axis] Information pertinent to an understanding of a commodity derivative or group of derivatives on a disaggregated basis, such as for individual instruments, or small groups of similar instruments, by such instrument or grouping. Commodity Derivative [Domain] Commodity Derivative [Domain] Identification of the type of commodity derivative. Power MWh Power MWh [Member] Electricity derivative instrument measured in mega-watt hours. Coal Metric Tons Coal Metric Tons [Member] Coal derivative instrument (measured in metric tons). Commodity Contract Commodity Contract [Member] Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Derivative average remaining maturity Related Party Transactions [Abstract] RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Dividends declared on common stock (per share amount) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] PSUs Performance Stock Units [Member] Performance Stock Units [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] PSU expense before income tax Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Total expense, net of tax Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Total value of PSUs converted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Total fair value of PSUs vested Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vested Total Fair Value The aggregate fair value of options vested during the period. Non Recourse Debt Interest Type [Axis] Non Recourse Debt Interest Type [Axis] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Nonrecourse Debt Interest Type [Domain] Nonrecourse Debt Interest Type [Domain] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Variable Rate Debt Variable Rate Debt [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Fixed Rate Debt Fixed Rate Debt [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Non Recourse Debt By Type [Axis] Non Recourse Debt By Type [Axis] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Nonrecourse Debt Type [Domain] Nonrecourse Debt Type [Domain] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Bank loans Notes Payable to Banks [Member] Notes and bonds Loans Payable [Member] Debt to (or guaranteed by) multilateral, export credit agencies or development banks Multilateral Debt [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Other Other Nonrecourse Debt [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Non Recourse Debt Total Non Recourse Debt Total Non-recourse debt is secured by the capital stock, physical assets, contracts and cash flows of the related subsidiary. The risk is limited to the respective subsidiary business and is without recourse to the Parent Company and other subsidiaries. Non-recourse Debt Current Maturities Non Recourse Debt Current The current portion of the entity's non-recourse debt. Non-recourse debt is secured by the capital stock, physical assets, contracts and cash flows of the related subsidiary. The risk is limited to the respective subsidiary business and is without recourse to the Parent Company and other subsidiaries. Non-recourse debt - noncurrent, balance at variable interest entities Non Recourse Debt Non Current The non-current portion of the entity's non-recourse debt. Non-recourse debt is secured by the capital stock, physical assets, contracts and cash flows of the related subsidiary. The risk is limited to the respective subsidiary business and is without recourse to the Parent Company and other subsidiaries. Interest rate swap, fixed minimum interest rate Interest Rate Swaps Range Of Interest Rates Fixed Minimum The minimum of the range of interest rates on variable rate non-recourse debt fixed by interest rate swap agreements. Interest rate swap, fixed maximum interest rate Interest Rate Swaps Range Of Interest Rates Fixed Maximum The maximum of the range of interest rates on variable rate non-recourse debt fixed by interest rate swap agreements. Debt excluded from non-recourse debt and included in current and noncurrent liabilities of held for sale and discontinued businesses Non Recourse Debt Held For Sale Or Discontinued Operations The amount of non-recourse debt classified as current and long-term liabilities of held for sale and discontinued businesses Contingent Contractual Obligations By Type [Axis] Contingent Contractual Obligations By Type [Axis] Information about each type of contingent contractual obligations. Contingent Contractual Obligations [Domain] Contingent Contractual Obligations [Domain] Type of contingent contractual obligation. Guarantees Guarantees [Member] Guarantees and Asset Sale Related Indemnities (Combined) [Member] Guarantees and Asset Sale Related Indemnities (Combined) [Member] Guarantees and Asset Sale Related Indemnities (Combined) [Member] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Cash Collateralized Letters Of Credit Cash Collateralized Letters Of Credit [Member] A document typically issued by a financial institution which acts as a guarantee of payment to a beneficiary, or as the source of payment for a specific transaction, that is collateralized with cash. Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Obligations maximum exposure, total Obligations Maximum Exposure Total Total maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) the Parent Company could be required to make under the obligation or each group of similar obligations before reduction for potential recoveries under recourse or collateralization provisions. Obligations number of agreements Obligations Number Of Agreements Number of agreements under which the Parent Company has contingent contractual obligations. Obligations, Minimum Individual Exposures, Less Than Stated Amount Obligations, Minimum Individual Exposures, Less Than Stated Amount Obligations, Minimum Individual Exposures, Less Than Stated Amount Obligations, individual exposures (minimum less than $1 million) Obligations, Maximum Individual Exposures Obligations, Maximum Individual Exposures Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letter of credit, fee range minimum Letter Of Credit Fee Range Minimum The minimum of the per annum range of letter of credit fees as a percent of the outstanding amount. Letter of credit, fee range maximum Letter Of Credit Fee Range Maximum The maximum of the per annum range of letter of credit fees as a percent of the outstanding amount. Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventory Balance By Type Schedule of Inventory, Noncurrent [Table Text Block] Regulated Operations [Abstract] REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Text Block] Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] U.S. Defined Benefit Plans United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined contribution plan, number of plans Defined Contribution Plan, Number of Plans Defined Contribution Plan, Number of Plans Defined contribution plan, award vesting period Defined Contribution Plan, Award Vesting Period Defined Contribution Plan, Award Vesting Period Defined contribution plan contributions Defined Contribution Plan Contributions The amount of the contributions made during the period to defined contribution plans Defined benefit plan, number of plans disclosure Defined Benefit Plan Number Of Plans Disclosure Represents the number of defined benefit plans covering the employees at certain subsidiaries U.S. Non-Union Number of Defined Contribution Plans U.S. non-union Number of Defined Contribution Plans U.S. non-union Defined Contribution Plans Parent Company Number of Defined Contribution Plans Parent Company Number of Defined Contribution Plans Parent Company Number of Defined Contribution Plans IPL Number of Non-Union Defined Contribution Plans IPL Number of Non-Union Defined Contribution Plans IPL Number of Non-Union Defined Contribution Plans DPL Number of Non-Union Defined Contribution Plans DPL Number of Non-Union Defined Contribution Plans DPL Number of Non-Union Defined Contribution Plans DPL Number of Union Defined Contribution Plans DPL Number of Union Defined Contribution Plans DPL Number of Union Defined Contribution Plans Schedule Of Nonrecourse Debt Defaults [Table] Schedule Of Nonrecourse Debt Defaults [Table] Schedule summarizing financial information related to non-recourse debt defaults. Debt Default By Subsidiary [Axis] Debt Default By Subsidiary [Axis] Debt default by subsidiary. Subsidiary [Domain] Subsidiary [Domain] The subsidiary to which the non-recourse debt in default relates. Maritza Maritza [Member] Maritza, a subsidiary of the Company. Kavarna Kavarna [Member] Kavarna, a subsidiary of the Company. Type Of Debt Default [Axis] Type Of Debt Default [Axis] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Type Of Debt Default [Domain] Type Of Debt Default [Domain] The primary nature of the violation causing the debt default. Covenant Violation Covenant Violation [Member] Debt default due to covenant violation. Debt Details [Line Items] Debt Details [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Debt default amount Debt Default Amount Amount of outstanding debt or borrowing associated with any securities or credit agreement for which there has been a default in principal, interest, sinking fund, or redemption provisions, or any breach of covenant that existed at the end of the period and subsequently has not been cured. Net assets Net Assets Impairment or Disposal of Tangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] ASSET IMPAIRMENT EXPENSE Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property Plant And Equipment By Regulated Nonregulated [Axis] Property Plant And Equipment By Regulated Nonregulated [Axis] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Property Plant And Equipment Regulated Nonregulated [Domain] Property Plant And Equipment Regulated Nonregulated [Domain] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Regulated Regulated [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Non Regulated Non Regulated [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Electric generation, distribution assets and other Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Net electric generation and distribution assets and other Property Plant And Equipment Electric Generation Distribution Assets And Other Net Held For Sale This element represents capitalized assets classified as property, plant and equipment not otherwise defined in the taxonomy, net of accumulated depreciation, included in noncurrent assets of discontinued and held for sale businesses. Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract] Number of strategic business units Number of Operating Segments Segment Reporting, Additional Information about Entity's Reportable Segments Number of Lines of Business Number of Lines of Business Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Percent of revenue generated outside US Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Revenue From External Customers Attributed To Foreign Countries Percent The percent of total revenues from external customers attributed to all foreign countries Percent Of Revenue From Discontinued Operations Generated Outside US Entity Wide Disclosure On Geographic Areas Revenue From Discontinued Operations Attributed To Foreign Countries Percent The percent of total revenues from discontinued operations attributed to all foreign countries. Number of customers that accounted for 10% of more of total revenue Number Of Single Customers That Accounted For Ten Percent Or More Of Total Revenue -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Total Maritza Receivables Total Maritza Receivables Total Maritza Receivables Overdue Maritza Receivables Overdue Maritza Receivables Overdue Maritza Receivables Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Stock repurchase program, additional authorized amount Stock repurchase program, additional authorized amount Stock repurchase program, additional authorized amount Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount Treasury stock, shares (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Category of Item Purchased [Axis] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain] Electricity Purchase Contracts Electricity Purchase Contracts [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Fuel Purchase Contracts Fuel Purchase Contracts [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Other Purchase Contracts Other Purchase Contracts [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Long-Term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Purchases Under Long Term Contracts Long Term Purchase Commitment Amount Actual The actual amount the entity purchased under the long-term purchase commitment Future Commitments 2015 Long Term Purchase Commitment Within One Year The minimum amount the entity agreed to spend under the long-term purchase commitment, which payments are due within one year of the balance sheet date Future Commitments 2016 Long Term Purchase Commitment Within Two Years The minimum amount the entity agreed to spend under the long-term purchase commitment, which payments are due in the second year following the balance sheet date Future Commitments 2017 Long Term Purchase Commitment Within Three Years The minimum amount the entity agreed to spend under the long-term purchase commitment, which payments are due in the third year following the balance sheet date Future Commitments 2018 Long Term Purchase Commitment Within Four Years The minimum amount the entity agreed to spend under the long-term purchase commitment, which payments are due in the fourth year following the balance sheet date Future Commitments 2019 Long Term Purchase Commitment Within Five Years The minimum amount the entity agreed to spend under the long-term purchase commitment, which payments are due in the Fifth year following the balance sheet date Future Commitments Thereafter Long Term Purchase Commitment Thereafter The minimum amount the entity agreed to spend under the long-term purchase commitment, which payments are due after the fifth year following the balance sheet date Future Commitments Total Long Term Purchase Commitment The total minimum amount the entity agreed to spend under the long-term purchase commitment Schedule of Net Income Attributable to Parent And Transfers To From Noncontrolling Interests [Text Block] Schedule Of Net Income Attributable To Parent And Transfers To From Noncontrolling Interests [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Net Income Attributable To Parent And Transfers To From Noncontrolling Interests Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] RSUs Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Diluted Income Loss From Continuing Operations Diluted Income from continuing operations attributable to the parent plus adjustments resulting from the assumption that dilutive convertible securities were converted, options or warrants were exercised, or that other shares were issued upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from asset sales, net of expenses Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Investment in and net advances to subsidiaries Payments For Investments In And Advances To Subsidiaries The cash outflow associated with investments in and advances to subsidiaries. Return of capital Proceeds From Return Of Capital The cash inflow associated with the return of capital. Decrease in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Additions to property, plant and equipment Payments to Acquire Productive Assets (Purchase) sale of short term investments, net Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Borrowings (payments) under the revolver, net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Borrowings of notes payable and other coupon bearing securities Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments of notes payable and other coupon bearing securities Repayments of Long-term Debt Loans (to) from subsidiaries Proceeds From Loans From Subsidiaries The cash inflow associated with loans from subsidiaries. Purchase of treasury stock Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Common stock dividends paid Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Payments for deferred financing costs Payments of Financing Costs Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Total (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning Cash and cash equivalents, ending SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cash payments for interest, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Other Income and Expense [Abstract] Other Income and Expense [Abstract] Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table] Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table] Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table] Entek Entek [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Silver Ridge Power Silver Ridge Power [Member] Silver Ridge Power [Member] Elsta Elsta [Member] Elsta [Member] China generation and wind China Generation [Member] This element represents the name of an investee. InnoVent Innovent [Member] This element represents the name of an investee. Other Other Nonoperating Other [Member] This element represents the name of an investee. Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Line Items] Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table] Other Nonoperating Expense Other Nonoperating Expense New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted [Abstract] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2013-11 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2013-11 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2013-11 [Member] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Pretax compensation expense Total value of RSUs converted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Converted In Period Total Fair Value The total fair value of equity-based awards for which the grantee converted during the reporting period in accordance with the terms of the arrangement. Total fair value of RSUs vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Stock Options Employee Stock Option [Member] PSUs With Market Conditions Performance Stock Units With Market Conditions [Member] Performance Stock Units With Market Conditions PSUs with Performance Condition Performance Stock Units with Performance Condition [Member] Performance Stock Units with Performance Condition [Member] Stock option grant price as percent of market price Stock Option Grant Price As Percent Of Market Price The authorized price of stock options that may be granted by the Company, as a percent of the grant date market price. Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Award vesting rights percentage Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Stock option contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Number of shares available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Estimated forfeiture rate Share Based Compensation Estimated Forfeiture Rate Non Officers Estimated rate of forfieture applied stock option expense for the Non-Officer population of stock option awards Cost not yet recognized related to current year grants Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Related To Current Current Year Grants The aggregate unrecognized cost of equity-based awards made to employees during the current period under equity-based compensation awards that have yet to vest. Period of straight-line expense, 2014 PSUs Period of straight-line expense, 2014 PSUs Period of straight-line expense, 2014 PSUs Compensation cost not yet recognized related to current year grants per year Employee Service Share Based Compensation Nonvested Awards Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized Related To Current Current Year Grants Per Year The unrecognized cost of equity-based awards made to employees during the current period under equity-based compensation expected to vest each of the following three years. Period before award can be converted to shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Period Before Award Can be Converted to Shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Period Before Award Can be Converted to Shares Grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Award, percent with market condition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Percent with Market Condition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Percent with Market Condition Award, percent with performance condition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Percent with Performance Condition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Percent with Performance Condition Performance stock units vesting rule measurement period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vesting Rule, Measurement Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vesting Rule, Measurement Period Award payout range Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Award Payout Range Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Award Payout Range Grants in period, weighted average grant date fair value percent of stock price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Percent of Stock Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Percent of Stock Price Decrease in grant date fair value if market condition not applied Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Decrease in Grant Date Fair Value if Market Conditions Not Applied Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Decrease in Grant Date Fair Value if Market Conditions Not Applied Foreign currency translation adjustments, income tax Change in derivative fair value, income tax Pension, net actuarial gain (loss) for the period, income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax Business Combinations [Abstract] ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Revenue Income From Operations Of Discontinued Businesses Income Tax Expense And Impairment Of Discontinued Operations Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Loss on sale and disposal of assets Loss On Sale And Disposal Of Assets Amount of loss on the sale or disposal of assets. Legal settlement Legal settlement Legal settlement Contract termination Other Expense - Contract Termination Other Expense related to the termination of a contract associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a plan Other Other Cost and Expense, Operating Total other expense Other Expenses Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] US SBU US - Generation [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Andes SBU Andes - Generation [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Brazil SBU Brazil - Generation [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- MCAC SBU (El Salvador) MCAC - Generation [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Europe SBU EMEA - Generation [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Asia SBU Asia - Generation [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Corporate and Other Corporate Other And Other Eliminations [Member] Represents the Europe Utilities, Africa Utilities, Africa Generation, Wind Generation and Climate Solutions operating segments, which do not meet the criteria to allow for aggregation with another operating segment or the quantitative thresholds that would require separate disclosure under segment reporting accounting guidance. Corporate and Other also includes costs related to business development efforts, corporate overhead costs which are not directly associated with the operations of the reportable segments and other intercompany charges such as self-insurance premiums which are fully eliminated in consolidation. Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of reportable segments Number of Reportable Segments Revenue Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract] Revenue Revenues Income Tax Expense On Continuing Operations Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation Of US Federal Income Tax Rates And AES Effective Tax Rate For The Current And Two Prior Years Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Income Tax Payable And Receivable Income Taxes Payable And Receivable [Table Text Block] Desctription and amounts of income taxes payable and receivable at the end of the reporting period Summary Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Income Before Income Taxes, Foreign And Domestic Schedule of Income before Income Tax, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Tax Years Potentially Subject To Examination And Jurisdictions Summary of Income Tax Examinations [Table Text Block] Unrecognized Tax Benefits Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair value hierarchy for recurring measurements table Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Derivatives Level 3 Rollforward Table Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] This element represents, for the fair value measurement of derivative assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), and a description of where those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets) are reported in the statement of income (or activities); (2) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the observability of significant inputs) Significant unobservable inputs, recurring Fair Value Schedule Of Unobservable Inputs [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure summarizing the unobservable inputs used to measure Level 3 financial instruments. Fair value hierarchy for nonrecurring measurements table Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Significant unobservable inputs, nonrecurring Fair Value Schedule Of Unobservable Inputs Nonrecurring [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure summarizing the unobservable inputs used to value level 3 nonrecurring measurements. Financial instruments not measured at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Not Carried At Fair Value [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the financial instruments not carried on the balance sheet at fair value by class and level of within the fair value hierarchy. Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Acquire additional shares through 2016 Acquire additional shares through 2016 [Member] Acquire additional shares through 2016 [Member] Acquire addition shares through December 31, 2015 Acquire addition shares through December 31, 2015 [Member] Acquire addition shares through December 31, 2015 [Member] Acquire additional shares through December 31, 2016 Acquire additional shares through December 31, 2016 [Member] Acquire additional shares through December 31, 2016 [Member] Guacolda Guacolda Affiliate [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Gener Subsidiary Gener Subsidiary [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- AES US Investment, Inc. Additional Investment Options [Axis] AES US Investment, Inc. Additional Investment Options [Axis] AES US Investment, Inc. Additional Investment Options [Axis] AES US Investment, Inc. Additional Investment Options [Domain] AES US Investment, Inc. Additional Investment Options [Domain] [Domain] for AES US Investment, Inc. Additional Investment Options [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] IPALCO Enterprises, Inc. [Member] IPALCO Enterprises, Inc. [Member] IPALCO Enterprises, Inc. [Member] Dominican Republic Dominican Republic [Member] Dominican Republic AES US Investment, Inc. AES US Investment, Inc. [Member] AES US Investment, Inc. [Member] Electricity Generating Public Company Limited Electricity Generating Public Company Limited [Member] Electricity Generating Public Company Limited [Member] International Finance Corporation International Finance Corporation [Member] International Finance Corporation [Member] Dominican Republic additional investment options [Axis] Dominican Republic additional investment options [Axis] Dominican Republic additional investment options [Axis] Dominican Republic additional investment options [Domain] Dominican Republic additional investment options [Domain] Dominican Republic additional investment options [Domain] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Proceeds from divestiture of business Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Investment Options, acquisition percentage Investment Options, acquisition percentage Investment Options, acquisition percentage Sale Agreement, Buyer Option To Purchase Ownership Interest, Sales Price Sale Agreement, Buyer Option To Purchase Ownership Interest, Sales Price Sale Agreement, Buyer Option To Purchase Ownership Interest, Sales Price Gain on Disposition of Stock in Subsidiary, Recorded to APIC Gain on Disposition of Stock in Subsidiary, Recorded to APIC Gain on Disposition of Stock in Subsidiary, Recorded to APIC Divestiture of Business, Purchase Purchase Subject Adjustment Divestiture of Business, Purchase Purchase Subject Adjustment Divestiture of Business, Purchase Purchase Adjustment Divestiture of Businesses, Portion Contingent Upon Achievement of Certain Restructuring Efficiencies Divestiture of Businesses, Portion Contingent Upon Achievement of Certain Restructuring Efficiencies Divestiture of Businesses, Portion Contingent Upon Achievement of Certain Restructuring Efficiencies Net increase in The AES Corporation's paid-in capital for sale of subsidiary shares Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Depreciation expense (including amortization of assets recorded under capital leases) Depreciation Amortization of internal-use software Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization Interest capitalized during development and construction Capitalized Interest Costs, Including Allowance for Funds Used During Construction Property plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation mortgaged, pledged or subject to liens Property Plant And Equipment Net Of Accumulated Depreciation Mortgaged Pledged Or Subject To Liens Amount of property, plant and equipment net of accumulated depreciation mortgaged, pledged, or subject to liens Business Segments [Axis] Discontinued businesses Discontinued Operations [Member] Corporate and Other & eliminations Total Assets Assets Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction Capital Expenditures Capital Expenditures Total The total cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows associated with the repayment of financed capital expenditures Interest Income Investment Income, Interest Interest Expense Interest Expense Investments in and Advances to Affiliates Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Equity in Earnings (Losses) Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments DEBT Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Ebute Ebute [Member] Ebute [Member] AES NBO AES NBO [Member] AES NBO [Member] Trinidad Generation Unlimited Trinidad Generation Unlimited [Member] Trinidad Generation Unlimited [Member] AES Cartagena AES Cartagena [Member] AES Cartagena [Member] InnoVent and St. Patrick InnoVent and St. Patrick [Member] InnoVent and St. Patrick [Member] China Wind China Wind Affiliate [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Dispositions Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Disposal Disclosures [Abstract] Ownership interest sold Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Ownership Interest Sold Percentage of equity interest in business disposed. Proceeds from sale of ownership interest Proceeds from sale of ownership interest Proceeds from sale of ownership interest Pre-tax gain on disposal Pre-tax loss of disposed businesses, Excluding gain on disposal, included in continuing operations Pre-tax loss of disposed businesses, Excluding gain on disposal, included in continuing operations Pre-tax loss of disposed businesses, excluding gain on disposal, included in continuing operations Pre-tax income of disposed businesses, Excluding gain on disposal, included in continuing operations Pre-tax income of disposed businesses, Excluding gain on disposal, included in continuing operations Pre-tax income of disposed businesses, Excluding gain on disposal, included in continuing operations Production Capacity (MW) Generation Capacity Mega Watts Generation Capacity Mega Watts Equity method investment, ownership percentage sold Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Sold Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Sold Proceeds from the sale of equity method investments Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Equity method investment Equity Method Investments Equity method investment, gain (loss) on disposal Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Proceeds from sale of ownership interest in Cartagena Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Net Proceeds From Sale Represents the proceeds from the sale of the disposal group not considered discontinued. Cartagena ownership interest prior to sale Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Ownership Interest Prior To Sale Represents the ownership interest prior to the sale of the disposal group not considered discontinued. Acquirer's option to purchase additional ownership interest in Cartagena Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Interest Available For Purchase At Option Of Acquirer Represents the additional ownership interest that is available for purchase by the acquirer. Term of buyer option to purchase Company's remaining interest Buyer Option to Purchase Company's Remaining Interest, Term Buyer Option to Purchase Company's Remaining Interest, Term Company's continuing ownership interest extension period (beyond one year) Company's Continuing Ownership Interest Extension Period Company's Continuing Ownership Interest Extension Period Proceeds from the sale of interest in affiliate Proceeds from Divestiture of Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Proceeds from sale of China equity method investments Proceeds from sale of China equity method investments Represents the proceeds from the sale of a business and equity investment, where the business was not classified as a discontinued operation. Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Asset Retirement Obligation Additional liabilities incurred Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Liabilities settled Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Settled Accretion expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Change in estimated cash flows Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Ending balance Asset retirement obligation, legally restricted Asset Retirement Obligation, Legally Restricted Assets, Fair Value OTHER NON-OPERATING EXPENSE Other Nonoperating Income and Expense [Text Block] Schedule of Recourse Debt Detail Schedule Of Recourse Debt Detail [Table Text Block] Disclosure of recourse debt detail using the registrant (parent) as the sole domain member. Junior Subordinated Notes Payable Junior Subordinated Notes Payable [Table Text Block] Junior Subordinated Notes Payable [Table Text Block] Future Maturities of Debt Schedule Of Future Maturities Of Recourse Debt [Table Text Block] Disclosure of the future maturities of recourse debt using the registrant (parent) as the sole domain member. RSUs vested during the year Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period RSUs converted during the year, net of shares withheld for taxes Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Converted In Period The number of shares (or other type of equity) coverted during the period, net of shares withheld for taxes. Shares withheld for taxes Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Converted In Period Shares Withheld For Taxes The number of shares (or other type of equity) withheld during the period for taxes on shares converted. Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries Cash Dividends Paid to Parent Company by Consolidated Subsidiaries Deferred financing costs, accumulated amortization Accumulated Amortization of Noncurrent Deferred Finance Costs Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Customer relationships & contracts Customer Relationships [Member] Sales concessions Sales Concessions [Member] Intangtibles arising from sales concessions. Contractual payment rights Contractual Rights [Member] All other Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Regulatory Assets and Liabilities Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Regulatory Assets by Region Schedule of Regulatory Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Affiliated Entity Affiliated Entity [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Revenue—Non-Regulated Electrical Generation Revenue Cost of Sales—Non-Regulated Electric Production Expense Interest expense Deferred Tax Liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Differences between book and tax basis of property Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Other taxable temporary differences Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred Tax Assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Capital loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards Bad debt and other book provisions Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Retirement costs Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Tax credit carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets Tax Credit Carryforwards Gross The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of future tax deductions arising from all unused tax credit carryforwards, before reduction for a valuation allowance. Other deductible temporary differences Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total gross deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Less: valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Total net deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Net deferred tax asset (liability) Deferred Tax Assets, Net Vested during the year Award converted during the year, net of shares withheld for taxes Income Statement [Abstract] Income from operations of discontinued businesses, income tax expense (benefit) Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period Gain (loss) from disposal and impairment of discontinued businesses, income tax expense (benefit) Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Table Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] BENEFIT PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block] DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND HELD-FOR-SALE BUSINESSES Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Table] Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Table] Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Table] Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items] Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities [Table] Regulatory Assets Regulatory Assets Regulatory Liabilities Regulatory Liabilities Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] US Andes MCAC Europe Asia Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill Goodwill, Gross Accumulated impairment losses Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Net balance Goodwill Goodwill impairment expense Goodwill, Impairment Loss Other Goodwill Translation Adjustments And Other Net changes to the recorded value of goodwill for foreign currency translation adjustments and other adjustments to goodwill Revenue By Segment Table Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment Revenue [Table Text Block] This element captures the disclosure about the revenue for each reportable segment, as a single block of text. Adjusted Pre-Tax Contribution by Segment Table Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment Adjusted Pre-Tax Contribution [Table Text Block] This element captures the disclosure about the adjusted pre-tax contribution (the Company's measure of segment profit or loss) for each reportable segment, as a single block of text, including a reconciliation of the reportable segments' measures of profit or loss to the entity's consolidated income before income taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates. Assets By Segment Table Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment Assets [Table Text Block] This element captures the disclosure about the total assets for each reportable segment at the balance sheet date, as a single block of text. Revenue And PP&E By Country Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Interest rate derivatives Cross currency derivatives Foreign currency derivatives Commodity derivatives Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Abstract Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE: Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract] Debt securities: Available For Sale Debt Securities [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Unsecured debentures Available For Sale Unsecured Debentures Investments in unsecured debentures accounted for as available-for-sale at the balance sheet date. Certificates of deposit Available For Sale Certificates Of Deposit Investments in certificates of deposit accounted for as available-for-sale at the balance sheet date. Government debt securities Available For Sale Government Debt Securities Investments in government debt securities accounted for as available-for-sale at the balance sheet date. Subtotal Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Equity securities: Available For Sale Equity Securities [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Mutual funds Available For Sale Mutual Funds Investments in mutual funds accounted for as available-for-sale at the balance sheet date. Subtotal Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities Total available for sale Available-for-sale Securities TRADING: Trading Securities [Abstract] Equity securities: Trading Securities Equity [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Mutual funds Trading Securities Mutual Funds Investments in mutual funds accounted for as trading at the balance sheet date. Total trading Trading Securities DERIVATIVES: Derivative Asset [Abstract] Total derivatives Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset TOTAL ASSETS Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] DERIVATIVES: Derivative Liability [Abstract] Total derivatives Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability TOTAL LIABILITIES Financial and Nonfinancial Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Temporary Equity [Abstract] CUMULATIVE PREFERRED STOCK OF SUBSIDIARES Subsidiary Stock Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of transaction detail relating to subsidiary preferred stock included in minority interest and the sale of subsidiary stock. Expected employer contribution in 2015 Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Expected benefit payments for fiscal year ending: Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2015 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five 2020 - 2024 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal: Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State: State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Foreign: Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Accounting Policies [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Regulated Revenue Regulated Revenue [Member] Regulated revenue. Regulated Cost Of Sales Regulated Cost Of Sales [Member] Regulated cost of sales. Income (Loss) From Operations Of Discontinued Business Income (Loss) From Operations Of Discontinued Business [Member] Income (loss) from operations of discontinued business [Member] Gain (Losses) Recognized in Earnings, Not Designated as Hedge Accounting Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Net gain (loss) from disposal and impairments of discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value By Asset Type [Axis] Fair Value By Asset Type [Axis] Fair value information by type of asset. Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Asset Class [Domain] Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation By Asset Class [Domain] Represents classes of assets measured and disclosed at fair value. Long Lived Assets Held And Used Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] Represents long-lived assets held and used. Long Lived Assets Held For Sale Long Lived Assets Held For Sale [Member] Represents long-lived assets classified as held for sale. Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses Discontinued operations and held for sale businesses [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Equity Method Affiliate Equity Method Investee [Member] Goodwill Goodwill [Member] DP&L (East Bend) East Bend DPL [Member] East Bend DPL [Member] UK Wind (Newfield) UK Wind (Newfield) [Member] UK Wind (Newfield) [Member] Cameroon businesses Cameroon [Member] Cameroon [Member] DPLER DPLER [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Buffalo Gap Buffalo Gap [Member] Buffalo Gap [Member] Itabo (San Lorenzo) Itabo (San Lorenzo) [Member] Itabo (San Lorenzo) [Member] Beaver Valley Beaver Valley [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- DP&L (Conesville) Conesville DP&L [Member] Conesville DP&L [Member] U.S. wind turbines U.S. Wind Turbines [Member] U.S. Wind Turbines [Member] Saurashtra Saurashtra [Member] Saurashtra, a subsidiary of the Company. Ukraine utilities Ukraine Utilities [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Poland wind projects Poland Wind Projects [Member] Poland Wind Projects [Member] U.S. wind projects US Wind Projects [Member] US Wind Projects [Member] DP&L DP&L [Member] DP&L [Member] Mountain View Mountain View [Member] Mountain View [Member] Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Unobservable Inputs [Line Items] Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Unobservable Inputs [Line Items] 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. Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Nonrecurring Basis [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Asset fair value nonrecurring Assets, Fair Value Disclosure, Nonrecurring Asset impairment expense Asset Impairment Charges Other non-operating expense Goodwill impairment expense Contingent Contractual Obligations Schedule Of Contingent Contractual Obligations [Table Text Block] Provides pertinent information about guarantee obligations and letters of credit issued, or each group of similar obligations, including the maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) the guarantor could be required to make under the guarantee. Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Pro Forma Pro Forma [Member] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Number Shares issued under Company's profit share plan Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Armenia Mountain Armenia Mountain [Member] Armenia Mountain [Member] Sonel Sonel [Member] Sonel, a subsidiary of the Company. Kribi Kribi [Member] Kribi [Member] Dibamba Dibamba [Member] Dibamba [Member] Noncurrent Asset Noncurrent Asset [Member] Noncurrent Asset [Member] Kiev and Rivne Kiev and Rivne [Member] Kiev and Rivne [Member] Kiev Kiev [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Rivne Rivne [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Tisza I I Subsidiary Tisza I I Subsidiary [Member] Represents the name of a subsidiary. Red Oak and Ironwood Red Oak and Ironwood [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Red Oak Red Oak [Member] Represents the name of a subsidiary or project. Ironwood Ironwood [Member] Represents the name of a subsidiary or project. Eastern Energy Subsidiary Eastern Energy Subsidiary [Member] Represents the name of a subsidiary. Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Divestiture of ownership in subsidiary percent Divestiture Of Ownership In Subsidiary Percent Represents the Company's percentage ownership interest in the subsidiary being divested. Number of Equity Interests Sold Number of Equity Interests Sold Number of Equity Interests Sold Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Non-contingent Consideration, Fair Value, Amount to be Received Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Non-contingent Consideration, Fair Value, Amount to be Received Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Non-contingent Consideration, Fair Value, Amount to be Received Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount Letter of Credit Related to Sale Agreement Letter of Credit Related to Sale Agreement Letter of Credit Related to Sale Agreement Fair value less costs to sell Fair Value Less Costs To Sell This element represents the aggregate of the assets reported on the balance sheet at period end measured at fair value less costs to sell by the entity. Number of wind projects Number of Wind Projects Number of Wind Projects Sale agreement, buyer option to purchase ownership percent Sale Agreement, Buyer Option To Purchase Ownership Percent Sale Agreement, Buyer Option To Purchase Ownership Percent Asset impairment charges attributable to noncontrolling interest Asset Impairment Charges Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Asset Impairment Charges Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Assets carrying amount Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring 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. Deferred proceeds from divestiture of business Deferred Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses Deferred Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses Number of power distribution businesses sold Number of Power Distribution Businesses Sold Number of Power Distribution Businesses Sold Customers served Customers Served Represents the number of customers served by a subsidiary. Gain (loss) on disposal of discontinued operation from cumulative translation losses Gain Loss On Disposal Of Discontinued Operation From Cumulative Translation Losses Portion of gain (loss) due to recognition of cumulative translation adjustment upon disposal of the business. Number of Power Plants Held-for-sale Number of Power Plants Held-for-sale Number of Power Plants Held-for-sale GENERAL AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization, Consolidation, Basis of Presentation, Business Description and Accounting Policies [Text Block] Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Equity Method Investment, Purchase Price Agreement Equity Method Investment, Purchase Price Agreement Equity Method Investment, Purchase Price Agreement Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Sold Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Environmental Environmental [Member] Environmental [Member] Litigation Litigation [Member] Litigation [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Environmental Contingencies Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Liability recorded for projected environmental remediation costs Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Maximum potential loss related to environmental matters Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Litigation Contingencies Loss Contingency [Abstract] Aggregate reserves for claims deemed both probable and reasonably estimable Loss Contingency Accrual Minimum potential loss related to environmental matters Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum Options (Number of Shares): Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding at beginning of period Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited and expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Outstanding at end of period Vested and expected to vest at end of period Eligible for exercise at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Weighted Average Exercise Price (in dollars per share): Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Outstanding at beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Forfeited and expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at end of period Vested and expected to vest at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Eligible for exercise at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding, weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Vested and expected to vest, weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Eligible for exercise, weighted average remaining contractual term (in years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Outstanding, intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Vested and expected to vest, intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Outstanding, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Eligible for exercise, intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value SCHEDULE I CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share Based Compensation Summary of Financial Statement Components Stock Options Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Summary Of Financial Statement Components Stock Options [Table Text Block] Summary of the required disclosures representing the effect of stock options within the financial statements including pre-tax compensation expense, tax expense (benefit), intrinsic value of stock options exercised, fair value of options vested and cash proceeds from stock options exercised Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share Based Compensation Summary of Financial Statement Components Restricted Stock Units Without Market Conditions Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Summary Of Financial Statement Components Restricted Stock Units Without Market Conditions [Table Text Block] Summary of the required disclosures representing the effect of restricted stock units without market conditions within the financial statements including pre-tax RSU expense, tax expense (benefit), total value of RSUs converted and total value of RSUs vested Schedule of Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Units Without Market Conditions Activity Table Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Units Without Market Conditions Activity [Table Text Block] For restricted stock units without market conditions, disclosure of the number and weighted-average grant date fair value for restricted stock units that were outstanding at the beginning and end of the year, and the number of restricted stock units that were granted, vested, or forfeited during the year. Also includes disclosure of the number, aggregate intrinsic value (except for nonpublic entities), and weighted-average remaining contractual term for both restricted stock units outstanding and restricted stock units fully vested and expected to vest at the date of the latest statement of financial position Schedule of Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Units Without Market Condition Vested And Converted Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Units Without Market Condition Vested And Converted [Table Text Block] Disclosure of restricted stock units without market conditions vested and converted during the year Schedule of Share Based Compensation Summary of Financial Statement Components Restricted Stock Units With Market Conditions Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Summary Of Financial Statement Components Restricted Stock Units With Market Conditions [Table Text Block] Summary of the required disclosures representing the effect of restricted stock units with market conditions within the financial statements including pre-tax RSU expense, tax expense (benefit), total value of RSUs converted and total value of RSUs vested Schedule of Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Units With Market Conditions Activity Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Units With Market Conditions Activity [Table Text Block] For restricted stock units with market conditions, disclosure of the number and weighted-average grant date fair value for restricted stock units that were outstanding at the beginning and end of the year, and the number of restricted stock units that were granted, vested, or forfeited during the year. Also includes disclosure of the number, aggregate intrinsic value (except for nonpublic entities), and weighted-average remaining contractual term for both restricted stock units outstanding and restricted stock units fully vested and expected to vest at the date of the latest statement of financial position Schedule of Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Units With Market Condition Vested and Converted Schedule Of Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Units With Market Condition Vested And Converted [Table Text Block] Disclosure of restricted stock units with market conditions vested and converted during the year Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Contributed to Financing Receivables [Axis] Contributed to Financing Receivables [Axis] Contributed to Financing Receivables [Axis] Contributed to Financing Receivables [Domain] Contributed to Financing Receivables [Domain] [Domain] for Contributed to Financing Receivables [Axis] Argentina Argentina [Member] Argentina Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] ARGENTINA ARGENTINA Dominican Republic DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Brazil BRAZIL Schedule of Financing Receivables [Line Items] Schedule of Financing Receivables [Line Items] Schedule of Financing Receivables [Line Items] Financing receivable Financing Receivable, Net Financing Receivable, Gross Financing Receivable, Gross Noncurrent receivables Nontrade Receivables, Noncurrent Number of Foninvemem Agreements Number of Foninvemem Agreements Number of Foninvemem Agreements Foninvemem Agreement, collection period Foninvemem Agreement, Collection Period Foninvemem Agreement, Collection Period Number of Foninvemem Agreements with active collections Number of Foninvemem Agreements With Active Collections Number of Foninvemem Agreements With Active Collections Derivative Assets, Gross Embedded Derivative, Fair Value of Embedded Derivative Asset Interest Income, Other Interest Income, Other Embedded Derivative, Gain on Embedded Derivative Embedded Derivative, Gain on Embedded Derivative Generation Capacity Mega Watts, Commitment for Future Capacity, Mega Watts Generation Capacity Mega Watts, Commitment for Future Capacity, Mega Watts Generation Capacity Mega Watts, Commitment for Future Capacity, Mega Watts Equity securities Equity Securities [Member] Debt securities Debt Securities [Member] Real estate Real Estate [Member] Other Other Plan Investments [Member] Other investments not otherwise classified. Target Allocations Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Percentage of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Target Allocations, Minimum Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum Target Allocations, Maximum Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum Property, Pland and Equipment with Useful Life Classification Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Interest Capitalized During Development And Construction Capitalized Interest During Development And Construction [Table Text Block] Interest capitalized during development and construction of qualifying assets Net Asset Value Of Regulated And Non-Regulated Assets And Accumulated Depreciation Regulated And Non Regulated Property Plant And Equipment [Table Text Block] Summary of regulated and non-regulated generation and distribution facilities property, plant and equipment and associated accumulated depreciation Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Jointly Owned Utility Plants Schedule of Jointly Owned Utility Plants [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] CURRENT ASSETS Assets, Current [Abstract] Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Short-term investments Short-term Investments Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $96 and $134, respectively Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventory Inventory, Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Prepaid expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Current assets of discontinued operations and held-for-sale assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current NONCURRENT ASSETS Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Land Land Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other Assets: Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Investments in and advances to affiliates Debt service reserves and other deposits Debt service reserves and other deposits Reserves set aside for servicing of debt, and other deposit assets. Goodwill Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $158 and $153, respectively Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Other noncurrent assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Noncurrent assets of discontinued operations and held-for-sale assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Long Lived Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Assets Noncurrent Excluding Property Plant And Equipment Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets, excluding property, plant and equipment, that are expected to be realized in cash, sold or consumed after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] CURRENT LIABILITIES Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Accrued and other liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Non-recourse debt, including $240 and $267, respectively, related to variable interest entities Recourse debt Recourse Debt Current The current portion of the entity's recourse debt. Recourse debt is direct borrowings by the Parent Company that is structurally subordinate to the affiliates' non-recourse debt. Current liabilities of discontinued operations and held-for-sale businesses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current NONCURRENT LIABILITIES Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Non-recourse debt, including $1,030 and $979, respectively, related to variable interest entities Recourse debt Recourse Debt Non Current The non-current portion of the entity's recourse debt. Recourse debt is direct borrowings by the Parent Company that is structurally subordinate to the affiliates' non-recourse debt. Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Pension and other post-retirement liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Other noncurrent liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Noncurrent liabilities of discontinued operations and held-for-sale businesses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent Total noncurrent liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Contingencies and Commitments (see Notes 13 and 14) Commitments and Contingencies Cumulative preferred stock of subsidiaries Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount EQUITY Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] THE AES CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock ($0.01 par value, 1,200,000,000 shares authorized; 814,539,146 issued and 703,851,297 outstanding at December 31, 2014 and 813,316,510 issued and 722,508,342 outstanding at December 31, 2013) Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Treasury stock, at cost (110,687,849 shares at December 31, 2014 and 90,808,168 shares at December 31, 2013) Treasury Stock, Value Total AES Corporation stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Interest Rate Derivatives By Type Table Interest Rate Derivatives By Type [Table Text Block] This element represents a table which sets forth, by type of interest rate derivative, the current and maximum outstanding notional, weighted average remaining term and percentage of variable-rate debt hedged at the balance sheet date, regardless of whether the derivative instruments are in qualifying cash flow hedging relationships. Foreign Currency Derivatives By Type Table Foreign Currency Derivatives By Type [Table Text Block] This element represents a table which sets for, by type of foreign currency denomination, the outstanding notionals over the remaining terms of the foreign currency derivative instruments at the balance sheet date, regardless of whether the derivative instruments are in qualifying hedging relationships. Commodity Derivatives By Type Table Commodity Derivatives By Type [Table Text Block] This element represents a table which sets forth, by type of commodity, the outstanding notionals and weighted average remaining terms of the commodity derivatives, regardless of whether they are in a qualifying hedging relationship. Derivative Assets Liabilities At Fair Value Net By Balance Sheet Classification And Type Table Derivative Assets Liabilities At Fair Value Net By Balance Sheet Classification [Table Text Block] This element represents a table which sets forth the fair value and balance sheet classification of derivative instruments at the balance sheet date separately for derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments and derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments. Gain Loss In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income And Earnings On Effective Portion Of Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges Table Gain Loss In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income And Earnings On Effective Portion Of Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Table Text Block] This element represents tables which set forth, by type of derivative instrument, the gains (losses) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and earnings and the income statement classification related to the effective portion of derivative instruments in qualifying cash flow hedging relationships for the periods indicated. Gain Loss In Earnings On Ineffective Portion Of Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges Table Gain Loss In Earnings On Ineffective Portion Of Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Table Text Block] Gain Loss In Earnings On Ineffective Portion Of Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Table Text Block] Gain Loss In Earnings On Non Hedging Instruments Table Gain Loss In Earnings On Non Hedging Instruments [Table Text Block] This element represents tables which set forth, by type of derivative instrument, the gains (losses) recognized in earnings and the income statement classification related to derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments for the periods indicated. Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Ownership Interest And Carrying Values Of Investments Accounted For Under The Equity Method Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Investments In and Advances to Affiliates Financial Information Schedule of Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Table Text Block] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Axis] Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Axis] This element represents a number of concepts which are required or determined to be provided for purposes of reconciling beginning and ending balances of fair value measurements of derivative assets and liabilities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Such reconciliation, separately presenting changes during the period, at a minimum, may include: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and in regulatory assets and liabilities; (2) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the significance of unobservable inputs), segregating those transfers between assets and liabilities. Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Domain] Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Domain] This element provides general categories of derivative assets and liabilities for which the fair value measurement of assets using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3), a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, separately presenting changes during the period attributable to the following: (1) total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), segregating those gains or losses included in earnings (or changes in net assets), in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and in regulatory assets and liabilities; (2) purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements (net); and (3) transfers in and transfers out of Level 3 (for example, transfers due to changes in the significance of unobservable inputs), segregating those transfers between assets and liabilities. Foreign Currency Embedded Derivative Argentine Peso Foreign Currency Embedded Derivative Argentine Peso [Member] Foreign currency embedded derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to the Argentine Peso. Foreign Currency Embedded Derivative Euro Foreign Currency Embedded Derivative Euro [Member] Foreign Currency Embedded Derivative Euro [Member] Commodity And Other Commodity And Other Derivative Other [Member] Commodity & other derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is not otherwise detailed in this disclosure. Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items] Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs [Abstract] Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Fair Value Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Assets Liabilities Value This element represents net derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which are required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. Subsidiaries' credit risk Credit Rating Used To Determine Derivative Fair Value The credit rating used by the parent company or subsidiary to determine the fair value of derivative instruments at the balance sheet date. Argentine Peso to U.S. Dollar currency exchange rate after 1 year U S Dollar Indexation In Argentina The U.S. Dollar indexation in Argentina used to determine the fair value of derivative instruments at the balance sheet date. Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Netting Arrangements [Axis] Netting Arrangements [Axis] Information about netting arrangements Netting Arrangement [Domain] Netting Arrangement [Domain] Information about whether contracts are subject to master netting arrangements. Contracts Subject To Netting Arrangements Contracts Subject To Netting Arrangements [Member] Represents derivative contracts that are subject to enforceable netting provisions. Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative Asset, Current Derivative Asset, Current Derivative Liability, Current Derivative Liability, Current Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Total asset derivatives Total liability derivatives Derivative Assets Not Offset Under Netting Arrangements Derivative Assets Not Offset Under Netting Arrangements Represents the fair value of derivative assets that could have been offset under master netting arrangements but were not, in accordance with company policy. Derivative Liabilities Not Offset Under Netting Arrangements Derivative Liabilities Not Offset Under Netting Arrangements Represents the fair value of derivative liabilities that could have been offset under master netting arrangements but were not, in accordance with company policy. Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset Derivative Asset Derivative Liability Derivative Liability Asset, Formerly Accounted for as a Derivative, to be Amortized into Earnings Asset, Formerly Accounted for as a Derivative, to be Amortized into Earnings Asset, Formerly Accounted for as a Derivative, to be Amortized into Earnings Liability, Formerly Accounted for as a Derivative, to be Amortized into Earnings Liability, Formerly Accounted for as a Derivative, to be Amortized into Earnings Liability, Formerly Accounted for as a Derivative, to be Amortized into Earnings Number of Chilean Income Tax Systems Number of Chilean Income Tax Systems Number of Chilean Income Tax Systems Income taxes receivable—current Income Taxes Receivable, Current Total income taxes receivable Income Taxes Receivable Income taxes payable—current Accrued Income Taxes, Current Income taxes payable—noncurrent Accrued Income Taxes, Noncurrent Total income taxes payable Accrued Income Taxes Recourse Debt By Instrument [Axis] Recourse Debt By Instrument [Axis] Pertinent information about recourse debt arrangements, including the carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, by recourse debt instrument. Recourse Debt Instrument [Domain] Recourse Debt Instrument [Domain] Recourse debt facility. 7.75% Senior Unsecured Note Due 2014 Senior Unsecured Note 775 Due 2014 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 8.00% Senior Unsecured Note Due 2017 Senior Unsecured Note 800 Due 2017 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Senior Unsecured Note LIBOR plus 3% due 2019 Senior Unsecured Note LIBOR plus 3% due 2019 [Member] Senior Unsecured Note LIBOR plus 3% due 2019 [Member] 8.00% Senior Unsecured Note Due 2020 Senior Unsecured Note 800 Due 2020 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 7.38% Senior Unsecured Note Due 2021 Senior Unsecured Note 7375 Due 2021 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 4.88% Senior Unsecured Note Due 2023 Senior Unsecured Note 4875 Due 2023 [Member] Senior Unsecured Note 4875 Due 2023 [Member] 5.50% Senior Unsecured Note Due 2024 5.50% Senior Unsecured Note Due 2024 [Member] SeniorUnsecured550Note Due 2024 [Member] 6.75% Term Convertible Trust Securities Due 2029 Term Convertible Trust Securities 675 Due 2029 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Unamortized Discounts Unamortized Discounts [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Unamortized Premuim Unamortized Premuim [Member] Unamortized Premuim [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Interest Rate Recourse Debt Total Recourse Debt Total Recourse debt is direct borrowings by the Parent Company that is structurally subordinate to the affiliates non-recourse debt. Recourse Debt Current Recourse Debt Non Current CHANGE IN PROJECTED BENEFIT OBLIGATION: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligation, beginning period Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Employee contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants Plan amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Actuarial (gain) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss) Benefit obligation, ending period CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets, beginning period Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Employee contributions Benefits paid Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets Fair value of plan assets, ending period Funded status as of December 31 Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Financing Receivables Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of financing receivables. Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Amortization of defined benefit pension actuarial loss, net Amortization Of Defined Benefit Pension Actuarial Loss, Net [Member] Amortization Of Defined Benefit Pension Actuarial Loss, Net [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Gain on sale of investments Nonoperating Gains (Losses) Net income attributable to The AES Corporation Non-regulated revenue Non-regulated cost of sales Interest expense Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Net equity in earnings of affiliates Income (loss) from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: (Income) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Regulated cost of sales Cost of Transmission General and administrative expenses General and Administrative Expense Net Income (Loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Term convertible preferred securities issued by special purpose business trust Term Convertible Preferred Securities Issued By Special Purpose Business Trust The aggregate number of term convertible preferred securities issued by a wholly owned special purpose business trust Current redemption value of term convertible preferred securities issued by special purpose business trust Current Redemption Value Of Term Convertible Preferred Securities Issued By Special Purpose Business Trust The current redemption value (per security) of the term convertible preferred securities Term convertible preferred securities issued by special purpose business trust par per share Term Convertible Preferred Securities Issued By Special Purpose Business Trust Par Per Share The interest rate on the term convertible preferred securities issued by a wholly owned special purpose business trust Term convertible preferred securities issued by special purpose business trust total proceeds Term Convertible Preferred Securities Issued By Special Purpose Business Trust Total Proceeds The total proceeds from issuance of term convertible preferred securities issued by a wholly owned special purpose buisness trust Junior subordinated convertible debentures purchased with proceeds from issuance of term convertible preferred securities Junior Subordinated Convertible Debentures Purchased With Proceeds FromIssuance Of Term Convertible Preferred Securities The amount of junior subordinated convertible debentures purchased using the proceeds from issuance of the term convertible preferred securities Term convertible preferred securities dividend rate Term Convertible Preferred Securities Dividend Rate The annual dividend rate of the term convertible preferred securities Term convertible preferred securities common stock conversion ratio Term Convertible Preferred Securities Common Stock Conversion Ratio The current ratio for conversion of the term convertible preferred securities into common stock of the company Term convertible preferred securities common stock conversion price per share Term Convertible Preferred Securities Common Stock Conversion Price Per Share The current price per share of conversion of the term convertible preferred securities into common stock of the company Maximum shares parent common stock issuance upon conversion Maximum Shares Parent Common Stock Issuable Upon Conversion Represents the maximum number of AES shares issuable upon conversion of the TECONS. Term convertible preferred securities number of quarters dividends may be deferred Term Convertible Preferred Securities Number Of Quarters Dividends May Be Deferred The maximum number of quarters that dividends on the term convertible preferred securities may be deferred if so elected Gain on sale of assets Gain On Sale Of Assets Amount of gain on sale or disposal of assets. Contingency reversal Reversal Of Legal Contingency Reversal Of Legal Contingency Contract termination - Beaver Valley Other Income - Contract Termination Other Income related to the termination of a contract associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a plan. Insurance proceeds Insurance Proceeds Insurance Proceeds Gain on extinguishment of tax and other liabilities Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Tax and Other Liabilities Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Tax and Other Liabilities Other Other Operating Income Total other income Other Income Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] INVESTMENTS IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Total intrinsic value of options exercised Total fair value of options vested Cash received from the exercise of stock options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Document and Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity current reporting status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity voluntary filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Public Float Entity Public Float FAIR VALUE Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Receivables Payables Schedule of Related Party Receivables Payables [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of related party receivables and payables. Debt Details [Table] Debt Details [Table] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Debt Maturity By Year[ [Axis] Debt Maturity By Year[ [Axis] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Debt Maturity Year [Domain] Debt Maturity Year [Domain] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 2015 Debt Maturity Year One [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 2016 Debt Maturity Year Two [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 2017 Debt Maturity Year Three [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 2018 Debt Maturity Year Four [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 2019 Debt Maturity Year Five [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Thereafter Debt Maturity Thereafter [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Recourse Debt Total Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Table] Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Table] Jointly Owned Utility Plant [Axis] Jointly Owned Utility Plant [Axis] Jointly Owned Utility Plant [Domain] Jointly Owned Utility Plant [Domain] Conesville Unit 4 Conesville Unit 4 [Member] Represents a coal-fired production unit of a jointly owned utility plant. Killen Station Killen Station [Member] Represents a coal-fired production unit of a jointly owned utility plant. Miami Fort Units 7 and 8 Miami Fort Units 7 And 8 [Member] Represents a coal-fired production unit of a jointly owned utility plant. Stuart Station Stuart Station [Member] Represents a coal-fired production unit of a jointly owned utility plant. Zimmer Station Zimmer Station [Member] Represents a coal-fired production unit of a jointly owned utility plant. Transmission Jointly Owned Electricity Transmission and Distribution System [Member] Total Jointly Owned Plant Total Jointly Owned Plant [Member] Represents the totals for jointly owned plant. Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] Jointly Owned Utility Plant Interests [Line Items] Number of Coal-Fired Generation Facilities, Jointly Owned Number of Coal-Fired Generation Facilities, Jointly Owned Number of Coal-Fired Generation Facilities, Jointly Owned Construction Work In Process Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Ownership Amount of Construction Work in Progress Ownership Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Proportionate Ownership Share Gross Plant In Service Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Gross Ownership Amount of Plant in Service Accumulated Depreciation Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Ownership Amount of Plant Accumulated Depreciation Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Returns relating to assets still held at reporting date Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Still Held Purchases, sales and settlements, net Defined Benefit Plan, Purchases, Sales, and Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Transfers Between Measurement Levels Defined Benefit Plan, Transfers Between Measurement Levels SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Cameroon Project development rights Project Development Rights [Member] Intangibles arising from project development rights. Management rights Management Rights [Member] Intangibles resulting from management rights. Emission allowances Emission allowances [Member] Intangibles resulting from emission allowances. Contracts Customer Contracts [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Land use rights Use Rights [Member] Water rights Water rights [Member] Intangible asset resulting from water use rights. Trademark/Trade name Trademarks and Trade Names [Member] Other Other Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Discontinued Operations Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] [Line Items] for Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract] Gross Balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net Balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Gross Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Net Gain (Losses) Recognized in Earnings, Ineffective Portion Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] United States UNITED STATES Total Non-U.S. Total Non Us [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Chile Chile [Member] Chile [Member] El Salvador EL SALVADOR Colombia COLOMBIA United Kingdom UNITED KINGDOM Philippines Philippines [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Mexico MEXICO Bulgaria Bulgaria [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Puerto Rico PUERTO RICO Panama PANAMA Jordan Jordan [Member] Jordan [Member] Kazakhstan Kazakhstan [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Sri Lanka SRI LANKA Spain SPAIN Ukraine Ukraine [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Hungary Hungary [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Vietnam Vietnam [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Other Non-U.S. Other Non Us [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenue Property, plant and equipment, net Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Table] Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items] Adjusted PTC Adjusted PTC [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- External Adjusted Pre-Tax Contribution Segment Reporting Information Adjusted Pre-Tax Contribution From External Customers Amount of pre-tax contribution from external customers for the reportable segment. Must be disclosed if the amounts (a) is included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) is otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss. Reconciliation To Income From Continuing Operations Before Taxes Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated [Abstract] Unrealized derivative gains (losses) Unrealized derivatives gains (losses) -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) Unrealized foreign currency gains (losses) -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Disposition/acquisition gains Dispositions acquisitions gains -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Impairment losses Impairment losses -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Loss on extinguishment of debt Debt retirement losses -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Pre-tax contribution Pre-tax contribution Pre-tax contribution Add: Income from continuing operations before taxes, attributable to noncontrolling interests Income from continuing operations before taxes, attributable to noncontrolling interests -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Less: Net equity in earnings of affiliates Less: Net Equity In Earnings Of Affiliates This item represents the amount deducted from pre-tax contribution to reconcile to Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates related to the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of ints investee to which the equity method of accounting is applied. INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue Revenue From Discontinued Operation During Phase Out Period Before Income Tax Revenue from operations of a business component (exclusive of any gain or loss on disposal, or provision therefore) during the reporting period, until its disposal Income (loss) from operations of discontinued businesses, before income tax Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax Income tax expense Income (loss) from operations of discontinued businesses, after income tax Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax Net gain (loss) from disposal and impairments of discontinued businesses, after income tax Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Revenue Electric Revenue Operating margin Gross Profit Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of tax Discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest NET INCOME (LOSS) Basic income (loss) per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation, net of tax Discontinued operations attributable to The AES Corporation, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted income (loss) per share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation, net of tax Discontinued operations attributable to The AES Corporation, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations and Disposal of Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS Earnings Per Share, Diluted Dividends declared per common share Impairment expense pre-tax total Impairment Expense Pre Tax Total The total amount of pretax impairment expense, including both asset impairment charges and goodwill impairment charges. Net equity in earnings of affiliates Schedule Of Impairment Expense [Table] Schedule Of Impairment Expense [Table] Schedule detailing impairment charges. Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Conesville (DP&L) U.S. wind turbines and projects Wind Turbines And Projects [Member] Wind Turbines And Projects [Member] Kelanitissa Kelanitissa [Member] Kelanitissa, a subsidiary of the Company. St. Patrick St Patrick [Member] Represents the name of a subsidiary or project. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Assets, fair value Lump sum payment received for termination of PPA Lump Sum Payment Received For Termination Of PPA Lump Sum Payment Received For Termination Of PPA Other Asset Impairment Charges Other Asset Impairment Charges Gain (loss) on sale of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets FINANCING RECEIVABLES Financing Receivables [Text Block] PSUs (Number of Shares): Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Nonvested at beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Vested Forfeited and expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Nonvested at end of period Vested at end of period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested Number The number of outstanding awards on nonstock option plans (for example, phantom stock plan, stock appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) which have vested at the balance sheet date. Vested and expected to vest at end of period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested And Expected To Vest Number The number of outstanding awards on nonstock option plans (for example, phantom stock plan, stock appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan) which have vested or are expected to vest at the balance sheet date. Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in dollars per share): Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Nonvested at beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited and expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted Nonvested at end of period Vested at end of period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value The weighted average fair value of vested awards on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan). Vested and expected to vest at end of period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Vested And Expected To Vest Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value The weighted average fair value of awards vested and expected to vest on equity-based plans excluding option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, revenue or profit achievement stock award plan). Nonvested at end of period, weighted average remaining vesting term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Other Other Impairment [Member] Represents the name of an asset or project for which impairment charges were recognized. Asset impairment expense Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions Sensitivity To Changes [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions Sensitivity To Changes [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Increase of 1% in the discount rate Defined Benefit Plan Effect Of One Percent Increase In Discount Rate On Pension Expense Represents the impact on pension expense that would result from a one percentage point increase in the discount rate assumptions for defined benefit pension plans Decrease of 1% in the discount rate Defined Benefit Plan Effect Of One Percent Decrease In Discount Rate On Pension Expense Represents the impact on pension expense that would result from a one percentage point decrease in the discount rate assumptions for defined benefit pension plans Increase of 1% in the long-term rate of return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan Effect Of One Percent Increase In Rate Of Return On Pension Expense Represents the impact on pension expense that would result from a one percentage point increase in the long-term rate of return on plan asset assumptions for defined benefit pension plans Decrease of 1% in the long-term rate of return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan Effect Of One Percent Decrease In Rate Of Return On Pension Expense Represents the impact on pension expense that would result from a one percentage point decrease in the long-term rate of return on plan asset assumptions for defined benefit pension plans Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost: Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Settlement gain recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements Total pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Common stock Mutual funds Equity Funds [Member] Private equity Private Equity Funds [Member] Government debt securities US Treasury and Government [Member] Corporate debt securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Certificates of deposit Certificates of Deposit [Member] Unsecured debentures Unsecured Debentures [Member] Investments held in unsecured debentures. Government debt securities Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Mutual funds Fixed Income Funds [Member] Other debt securities Other Debt Obligations [Member] Real estate Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Other investments Participant loans Participant Loan [Member] Plan assets held in participant loans. Other assets Other Assets [Member] Total plan assets Pre-Tax Gains And Losses On Available For Sale And Trading Securities Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] INVENTORY Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Abstract] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Abstract] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Table] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Table] Solar Power PR, LLC Solar Power PR, LLC [Member] Solar Power PR, LLC [Member] Barry Barry Affiliate [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- OPGC OPGC Affiliate [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Other Affiliates Other Affiliates [Member] TURKEY TURKEY Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items] Equity method Investment balance reclassed to Other noncurrent assets Equity method Investment balance reclassed to Other noncurrent assets Equity method Investment balance reclassed to Other noncurrent assets Investment In Affiliate Ownership Percentage Investment In Affiliate Ownership Percentage The effective percentage of the affiliate's voting interest owned by the reporting entity (directly or indirectly) Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Additional Information (Project Level) Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Additional Information (Project Level) Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Additional Information (Project Level) Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Additional Information (Ownership Adjusted) Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Additional Information (Ownership Adjusted) Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Additional Information (Ownership Adjusted) Future Commitments for Capital Leases: Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2015 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2016 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years 2017 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years 2018 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Total Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Less: Imputed interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Present value of total minimum lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Future Commitments for Operating Leases: Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Net income (loss) attributable to The AES Corporation Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest: Proceeds from (Payments to) Noncontrolling Interests [Abstract] Increase (decrease) in The AES Corporation's paid-in capital for purchase of subsidiary shares Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interest Net Transfers To From Noncontrolling Interests The net amount of transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests. Change from net income attributable to The AES Corporation and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests Change In Net Income Attributable To Parent Due To Transfers To From Noncontrolling Interests The total change in net income attributable to the parent company due to transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests. Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Silver Ridge - Italy Silver Ridge - Italy [Member] Silver Ridge - Italy [Member] Silver Ridge- Italy and Spain Silver Ridge- Italy and Spain [Member] Silver Ridge- Italy and Spain [Member] Global Infrastructure Partners Global Infrastructure Partners [Member] Global Infrastructure Partners [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive income reclassed to other noncurrent assets accumulated other comprehensive income reclassed to other noncurrent assets accumulated other comprehensive income reclassed to other noncurrent assets Long Term Liabilities Associated With Debt Agreement Resulting In Loss Of Control Long Term Liabilities Associated With Debt Agreement Resulting In Loss Of Control The amount of long-term liabilities associated with a debt agreement under which no material financial of operating decisions can be made with the banks' consent, resulting in loss of control of the affiliate by the parent Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Facts and Circumstances Leading to Impairment Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Recognized, Equity Affiliate Level Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Recognized, Equity Affiliate Level Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Proceeds from the sale of businesses, net of cash sold Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates Net equity in earnings of affiliates Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Acquired Intangible Assets By Major Class Schedule Of Acquired Intangible Assets By Major Class [Table Text Block] Disclosure of the characteristics, including initial carrying value, residual amount, weighted average useful life, of intangible assets acquired during the period by major class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by nature or by their use in the operations of the company. Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] NET INCOME (LOSS) Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $(7), $10, and $0, respectively Reclassification to earnings, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $0, $0 and $0, respectively Change in derivative fair value, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $72, $(31) and $35, respectively Reclassification to earnings, net of income tax (expense) of $(26), $(41) and $(56), respectively Change in pension adjustments due to net actuarial gain (loss) for the period, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $27, $(198), and $300, respectively Reclassification to earnings due to amortization of net actuarial loss, net of income tax (expense) of $(7), $(26), and $(15), respectively Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Carrying Amount and Terms of Non-Recourse Debt Non Recourse Debt Disclosure [Table Text Block] Summary of current and long-term carrying amount and terms of the Company's non-recourse debt Schedule For Maturity For Non-Recourse Debt Non Recourse Debt Maturities Repayment Terms [Table Text Block] Disclosure of timing of required repayments for non-recourse debt Debt In Default Table Debt Default Or Accelerated [Table Text Block] This table represents the disclosure (by subsidiary) of the nature and amount of the debt in default or accelerated and associated net assets at the balance sheet date. Schedule of Future Maturities of Recourse Debt Temporary Equity, by Class of Stock [Table] Temporary Equity, by Class of Stock [Table] IPL Subsidiary IPL Subsidiary [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- DPL Subsidiary DPL Subsidiary [Member] Description of legal entity Temporary Equity [Line Items] Temporary Equity [Line Items] Temporary equity carrying amount Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Number of preferred stock series Number of Preferred Stock Series Number of Preferred Stock Series Temporary equity annual dividend requirement Temporary Equity Annual Dividend Requirement Represents the annual dividend requirement, as of the balance sheet date. Temporary equity, redemption price per share Temporary Equity, Redemption Price Per Share Number of consecutive quarters without paid dividends to invoke board of directors election rule Number of Consecutive Quarters Without Paid Dividends To Invoke Board of Directors Election Rule Number of Consecutive Quarters Without Paid Dividends To Invoke Board of Directors Election Rule Number of quarters cumulative dividends in arrears to invoke board of directors election rule Number of Quarters Cumulative Dividends In Arrears To Invoke Board of Directors Election Rule Number of Quarters Cumulative Dividends In Arrears To Invoke Board of Directors Election Rule CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] COMMITMENTS Commitments Disclosure [Text Block] DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Regulatory Asset [Axis] Regulatory Asset [Axis] Regulatory Asset [Domain] Regulatory Asset [Domain] Brazil Tariff Recoveries Energy Purchases Asset Brazil Tariff Recoveries Energy Purchases Asset [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Brazil Tariff Recoveries Transmission Costs Regulatory Fees And Other Asset Brazil Tariff Recoveries Transmission Costs Regulatory Fees And Other Asset [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- El Salvador Tariff Recoveries El Salvador Tariff Recoveries [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Pension Costs Pension Costs [Member] Income Taxes Recoverable From Customers Income Taxes Recoverable From Customers [Member] [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Deferred Midwest Independent Service Operator Costs Deferred Midwest Independent Service Operator Costs [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Other Regulatory Assets Other Regulatory Assets [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Regulatory Liability [Axis] Regulatory Liability [Axis] Regulatory Liability [Domain] Regulatory Liability [Domain] Brazil Tariff Estimated Rate Change Liability Brazil Tariff Estimated Rate Change Liability [Member] The amount of regulatory liability related to an estimate of future tariff rate changes in Brazil. Efficiency Program Costs Efficiency Program Costs [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Brazil Regulatory Asset Base Adjustment Brazil Regulatory Asset Base Adjustment [Member] Brazil Regulatory Asset Base Adjustment [Member] Brazil Tariff Recoveries Energy Purchases Liability Brazil Tariff Recoveries Energy Purchases Liability [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Brazil Tariff Recoveries Transmission Costs Regulatory Fees And Other Liability Brazil Tariff Recoveries Transmission Costs Regulatory Fees And Other Liability [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Asset Retirement Obligation Costs Asset Retirement Obligation Costs [Member] Brazil Special Obligations Brazil Special Obligations [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Other Regulatory Liabilities Other Regulatory Liabilities [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Total Current Regulatory Assets Regulatory Assets, Current Total Non Current Regulatory Assets Regulatory Assets, Noncurrent TOTAL REGULATORY ASSETS Total Current Regulatory Liabilities Regulatory Liability, Current Total Non Current Regulatory Liabilities Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent Total period for adjustments to the Regulatory Asset Base Total period for adjustments to the Regulatory Asset Base Total period for adjustments to the Regulatory Asset Base TOTAL REGULATORY LIABILITIES Period of annual tariff adjustment Period of Annual Tariff Adjustment Period of Annual Tariff Adjustment Total period to recover or refund costs for annual tariff adjustment Total period to recover or refund costs for annual tariff adjustment Total period to recover or refund costs for annual tariff adjustment Other current regulatory assets that did not earn a rate of return Remaining Amounts Of Current Regulatory Assets For Which No Return On Investment During Recovery Period Is Provided Remaining balance of current regulatory assets for which no return on investment during recovery is provided. In some cases, a regulator may permit an enterprise to include a cost that would be charged to expense by an unregulated enterprise as an allowable cost over a period of time by amortizing that cost for rate-making purposes, but the regulator does not include the unrecovered amount in the rate base. Other noncurrent regulatory assets that did not earn a rate of return Remaining Amounts Of Noncurrent Regulatory Assets For Which No Return On Investment During Recovery Period Is Provided Remaining balance of noncurrent regulatory assets for which no return on investment during recovery is provided. In some cases, a regulator may permit an enterprise to include a cost that would be charged to expense by an unregulated enterprise as an allowable cost over a period of time by amortizing that cost for rate-making purposes, but the regulator does not include the unrecovered amount in the rate base Tariff adjustment, percentage amortized Regulatory Liabilities, Tariff Adjustment, Percentage Amortized Regulatory Liabilities, Tariff Adjustment, Percentage Amortized Tariff adjustment, percentage amortized in next tariff adjustment Regulatory Liabilities, Tariff Adjustment, Percentage Amortized In Next Tariff Adjustment Regulatory Liabilities, Tariff Adjustment, Percentage Amortized In Next Tariff Adjustment Schedule of Other Nonoperating Expense By Component Schedule Of Other Nonoperating Expense By Component [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the detailed components of other nonoperating expenses. This disclosure may include methodology, assumptions and amounts for : (a) losses on securities (net of profits) and (b) miscellaneous income deductions. Number of wind projects Goodwill Impairment Test, Number of Wind Projects Goodwill Impairment Test, Number of Wind Projects Goodwill, fair value Goodwill, Fair Value Disclosure Effective tax rate Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block] Electricity Purchase Contract Commitment Long Term Electricity Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block] Description of key provisions of an arrangement under which the entity has agreed to purchase electricity over a period of time greater than one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, including the item for which expenditures will be made, minimum quantities, milestones, time period and committed amount Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions for current year tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Additions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Effects of foreign currency translation Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases Decreases Net Resulting From Foreign Currency Translation The net amount of increases (decreases) in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from the effects of foreign currency translation Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Ending balance Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Realized Losses, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Available-for-sale Securities, Realized Losses, Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments Gross proceeds from sales of AFS securities Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Prior service cost Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Total Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Amounts expected to be reclassified to earnings in next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plan, Amount to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Next Fiscal Year [Abstract] Prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Unrecognized net actuarial gain (loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Gain (Loss) Total Defined Benefit Plan, Amount to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Next Fiscal Year Income Tax Disclosures [Table] Income Tax Disclosures [Table] Income Tax Disclosures [Table] Tax Credit Expiration [Axis] Tax Credit Expiration [Axis] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Tax Credit Carryforward Expiration Date [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward Expiration Date [Domain] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Year 2018 to 2025 Year 2017 to 2024 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- No Expiration No Expiration [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] General Business Tax Credit Carryforward General Business Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Federal Alternative Minimum Tax Federal Alternative Minimum Tax [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Foreign Jurisdictions Foreign Jurisdictions [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member] State and Local Jurisdiction State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Foreign Tax Authority Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Philippines PHILIPPINES Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items] Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items] [Line Items] for Income Tax Disclosures [Table] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Prior Year Income Taxes, Percent Scheduled maximum income tax percentage under APS tax system Scheduled maximum income tax percentage under APS tax system Scheduled maximum income tax percentage under APS tax system Scheduled maximum income tax percent under PIS tax system Scheduled maximum income tax percent under PIS tax system Scheduled maximum income tax percent under PIS tax system Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating loss carryforwards amount related to stock option deductions to be recognized in APIC Operating Loss Carryforwards Amount Related To Stock Option Deductions To Be Recognized In Apic The portion of domestic, foreign and state and local operating loss carryforwards, before tax effects, available to reduce future taxable income under enacted tax laws that is related to Stock Option Deductions and will be recognized in APIC when realized Tax credit carryforward Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Valuation allowance Tax benefits related to tax status of operations in countries subject to reduced tax rates Tax Benefits Related To Tax Status Of Operations In Countries Subject To Reduced Tax Rates Income tax benefits related to the tax status of operations in certain countries subject to reduced tax rates as a result of satisfying specific commitments regarding employment and capital investment Tax benefits related to tax status of operations in countries subject to reduced tax rates per share (in dollars per share) Tax Benefits Related To Tax Status Of Operations In Countries Subject To Reduced Tax Rates Per Share Income tax benefits per share related to the tax status of operations in certain countries subject to reduced tax rates as a result of satisfying specific commitments regarding employment and capital investment. Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued: Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued [Abstract] Interest on income taxes accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued Income tax penalties accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense: Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense [Abstract] Interest on income taxes expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense Income tax penalties expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties Expense Uncertain Tax Positions Additional Disclosures: Uncertain Tax Positions Additional Disclosures [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate portion with attributes warranting full valuation allowance Unrecognized Tax Benefits That Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Portion With Attributes Warranting Full Valuation Allowance The amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate, in the form of tax attributes that would warrant a full valuation allowance Unrecognized tax benefits anticipated to result in net decrease of unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months, minimum Unrecognized Tax Benefits Anticipated To Result In Net Decrease Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Within 12 Months Of Balance Sheet Date Minimum The minimum amount of unrecognized tax benefits anticipated to result in a net decrease of unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of the balance sheet date Unrecognized tax benefits anticipated to result in net decrease of unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months, maximum Unrecognized Tax Benefits Anticipated To Result In Net Decrease Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Within 12 Months Of Balance Sheet Date Maximum The maximum amount of unrecognized tax benefits anticipated to result in a net decrease of unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of the balance sheet date. Derivative By Current Maximum [Axis] Derivative By Current Maximum [Axis] Interest rate derivative notional by current or maximum amount. Derivative By Current Maximum [Domain] Derivative By Current Maximum [Domain] Identification of the current or maximum notional amount. Current Notional Current Notional [Member] Current derivative notional at balance sheet date. Libor USD Libor USD [Member] Libor interest rate derivatives (denominated in U.S. Dollar). Euribor EUR Euribor EUR [Member] Euribor interest rate derivatives (denominated in Euro) Weighted-Average Remaining Term % of Debt Currently Hedged by Index Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives Fuel and other raw materials Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Spare parts and supplies Inventory, Supplies, Net of Reserves Total Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] U.S. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic Non-U.S. Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign Guarantees Letters Of Credit [Abstract] Guarantees Letters Of Credit [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Lower limit of expiration dates of guarantees (less than one year) Guarantor Obligations, Expiration Dates, Lower Limit Guarantor Obligations, Expiration Dates, Lower Limit Upper limit of expiration dates of guarantees (more than 20 years) Guarantor Obligations, Expiration Dates, Upper Limit Guarantor Obligations, Expiration Dates, Upper Limit Obligations made by the Parent Company associated with non-recourse debt Contingent Contractual Obligations Associated With Nonrecourse Debt Contingent contractual obligations made by the Parent Company for the direct benefit of the lenders associated with the non-recourse debt of subsidiary businesses. Schedule Of Contingent Contractual Obligations [Table] Schedule Of Contingent Contractual Obligations [Table] Schedule summarizing the Parent Company's contingent contractual obligations. Guarantees and commitments Asset sale related indemnities Asset Sale Related Indemnities [Member] Asset Sale Related Indemnities [Member] Cash collateralized letters of credit Letters of credit under the senior secured credit facility Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items] Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items] 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. Amount Number of Agreements Maximum Exposure Range, Lower Limit Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure Range, Lower Limit Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure Range, Lower Limit Maximum exposure range, upper limit Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure Range, Upper Limit Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure Range, Upper Limit Letter Of Credit Fee Range Minimum Letter Of Credit Fee Range Maximum Non-Recourse Debt Nonrecourse Debt [Member] Nonrecourse Debt [Member] Mong Duong Subsidiary Mong Duong Subsidiary [Member] Mong Duong Subsidiary [Member] Angamos Angamos [Member] Angamos [Member] US Generation Holdings US Generation Holdings [Member] US Generation Holdings [Member] Electropaulo Electropaulo [Member] Electropaulo [Member] Tiete Subsidiary Tiete Subsidiary [Member] Tiete Subsidiary [Member] Cochrane Subsidiary Cochrane Subsidiary [Member] Cochrane Subsidiary [Member] Sul Subsidiary Sul Subsidiary [Member] Sul Subsidiary [Member] Southland Southland [Member] Southland [Member] Chivor Chivor [Member] Chivor [Member] UK Wind Warrior Run Warrior Run [Member] Warrior Run [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Construction Loans Construction Loans [Member] Construction line of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity Construction Line Of Credit Facility Remaining Borrowing Capacity Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under credit facilities at subsidiaries with facilities under construction (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding) to fund construction and other related costs Other line of credit remaining borrowing capacity Other Line Of Credit Facility Remaining Borrowing Capacity Amount of borrowing capacity currently available under credit facilities at subsidiaries (current borrowing capacity less the amount of borrowings outstanding) for general business use, including to support working capital, debt service reserves and other business needs excluding construction Repayments of long-term debt Restricted cash and debt service reserves Restricted Cash And Debt Service Reserves The total current and noncurrent amount of restricted cash maintained under in accordance with certain covenants of existing debt agreements Restricted net assets Restricted Net Assets The amount of net assets of subsidiaries restricted under various lender and governmental provisions that restrict the ability of the subsidiaries to transfer net assets to the parent company Increase (Decrease) in Interest Expense, Debt Increase (Decrease) in Interest Expense, Debt Increase (Decrease) in Interest Expense, Debt Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Current Assets: Accounts and notes receivable from subsidiaries Due from Related Parties, Current Prepaid expenses and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Investment in and advances to subsidiaries and affiliates Office Equipment: Cost Other Assets: Other Assets [Abstract] Deferred financing costs (net of accumulated amortization of $81 and $71, respectively) Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Deferred income taxes Other Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts and notes payable to subsidiaries Due to Related Parties, Current Accrued and other liabilities Senior notes payable—current portion Senior Notes, Current Long-term Liabilities: Senior notes payable Senior Notes, Noncurrent Junior subordinated notes and debentures payable Junior Subordinated Notes, Noncurrent Accounts and notes payable to subsidiaries Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities Stockholders’ equity: Common stock Treasury stock INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO AFFILIATES Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Text Block] PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] USE OF ESTIMATES Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND RECLASSIFICATIONS Discontinued Operations And Reclassifications [Policy Text Block] Describes an entity's accounting policy for any discontinued operations and reclassifications. The discontinued operations policy disclosure includes the results of operations of a component of an entity that either has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale shall be reported in discontinued operations if both: (a) the operations and cash flows of the component have been (or will be) eliminated from the ongoing operations of the entity as a result of the disposal transaction and (b) the entity will not have any significant continuing involvement in the operations of the component after the disposal transaction. If the entity elects to allocate interest expense to a discontinued operation, it should disclose its accounting policy for this election and describe its method of allocation. The reclassification policy includes the entire disclosure for classifying current financial statements, which may be different from classifications in the prior year's financial statements. Disclose any material changes in classification including an explanation of the reason for the change and the areas impacted. FAIR VALUE Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] RESTRICTED CASH AND DEBT SERVICE RESERVES Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] INVESTMENTS IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE AND ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] INVENTORY Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] LONG-LIVED ASSETS Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] INTANGIBLE ASSETS SUBJECT TO AMORTIZATION Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS Deferred Charges, Policy [Policy Text Block] EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] GOODWILL AND INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBLE ASSETS Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES Accounts Payable And Other Accrued Liabilities [Policy Text Block] Describes an entity's accounting policy for the classification of trade payables and other accrued liabilities. REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES Public Utilities, Policy [Policy Text Block] PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] INCOME TAXES Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block] NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS Noncontrolling Interests [Policy Text Block] Describes an entity's accounting policy for noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] REVENUE RECOGNITION Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Policy [Policy Text Block] DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] DERIVATIVES OFFSETTING FAIR VALUE AMOUNTS Derivatives, Offsetting Fair Value Amounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ADOPTED Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Text Block] ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS ISSUED BUT NOT YET EFFECTIVE Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block] LITIGATION Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] SEGMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Net Funded Status Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations Schedule of Accumulated and Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Impact Of One Percent Change In Assumptions Schedule Of Effect Of One Percentage Point Change In Certain Assumptions [Table Text Block] Disclosure of the effect of a one-percentage-point increase and the effect of a one-percentage-point decrease in certain assumptions on pension expense Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Not yet Recognized [Table Text Block] Target / Actual Allocation Of Pension Plan Asset Schedule Of Target And Actual Plan Asset Allocations [Table Text Block] Disclosure of the target and actual plan asset allocations for defined benefit pension plans Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Fair Value Of Plan Assets By Category / Level (Foreign) Schedule Of Allocation Of Plan Assets Foreign [Table Text Block] Disclosure of the major categories of foreign plan assets of pension plans and/or other employee benefit plans. This information may include, but is not limited to: the target allocation of plan assets, the fair value of each major category of plan assets, and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall. Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Scheduled Cash Flows For Employer Contributions And Expected Future Benefit Payments Schedule Of Expected Future Contributions And Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] isclosure of expected employer contributions and expected benefits to be paid by pension plans and/or other employee benefit plans in each of the next five fiscal years and in the aggregate for the five fiscal years thereafter Period of straight-line expense, 2014 RSU's Period of straight-line expense, 2014 RSU's Period of straight-line expense, 2014 RSU's RSUs (Number of Shares): Receivables from related parties Accounts and notes payable to related parties Due to Related Parties Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income (loss) Adjustments to net income (loss): Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Gain on sale of businesses Impairment expenses Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Provisions for contingencies Loss Contingency Accrual, Period Increase (Decrease) (Gain) loss on sale of assets Loss (gain) on disposals and impairments - discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Other Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable (Increase) decrease in inventory Increase (Decrease) in Inventories (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets (Increase) decrease in other assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Increase (decrease) in income tax payables, net and other tax payables Increase (Decrease) In Income Tax And Other Tax Payables, Net The increase (decrease) during the reporting period of income, property and other taxes payable , net of amounts receivable from taxing authorities. Increase (decrease) in other liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Proceeds from the sale of assets Sale of short-term investments Proceeds from Sale of Short-term Investments Purchase of short-term investments Payments to Acquire Short-term Investments Decrease (increase) in restricted cash, debt service reserves and other assets Affiliate advances and equity investments Payments for Advance to Affiliate Proceeds from government grants for asset construction Proceeds from Contribution in Aid of Construction Other investing Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings under revolving credit facilities Issuance of recourse debt Issuance Of Recourse Debt Cash inflows associated with the issuance of recourse debt. Issuance of non-recourse debt Proceeds From Issuance Of Nonrecourse Debt Cash inflows associated with the issuance of non-recourse debt. Repayments of Short-term Debt Repayments of Lines of Credit Repayments of recourse debt Repayments Of Recourse Debt Cash outflows associated with repayments of recourse debt. Repayments of non-recourse debt Repayments Of Nonrecourse Debt Cash outflows associated with repayments of non-recourse debt. Payments for financing fees Distributions to noncontrolling interests Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Contributions from noncontrolling interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Dividends paid on AES common stock Payments for financed capital expenditures Payments For Financed Capital Expenditures Cash outflows associated with the repayment of financed capital expenditures (operating payables outstanding for greater than 90 days). Other financing Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash (Increase) decrease in cash of discontinued and held-for-sale assets Net Cash Change Of Discontinued And Held For Sale Businesses Represents the change in cash and cash equivalents for discontinued operations for the period. SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Assets received upon sale of subsidiaries Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received Assets acquired through capital lease and other liabilities Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Assets Acquired Dividends Payable Dividends Payable Non Recourse Debt Total Schedule Of Credit Risk Related Contingent Features [Table] Schedule of Credit Derivatives [Table] Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features [Line Items] Credit Derivatives [Line Items] Net liability position, derivative transactions Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value Collateral posted for derivative transactions Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value Cash Collateral Received From Counterparties Cash Collateral Received From Counterparties The aggregated amount of cash collateral received from counterparties to our derivative positions, which is classified as restricted cash. Additional collateral that could have been required Additional Collateral, Aggregate Fair Value Details of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Asset Details of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Asset [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Electric generation and distribution facilities Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution Equipment [Member] Other buildings Building and Building Improvements [Member] Furniture, fixtures and equipment Furniture Fixtures And Equipment [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Other Property, Plant and Equipment, Other Types [Member] Net electronic generation and distribution assets and other related to held for sale business Property Plant And Equipment Electric Generation Distribution Assets And Other Net Related To Discontinued Operations Net electric generation, distribution assets and other property, plant and equipment other than Land and Construction in Progress related to discontinued operations, which are classified as "noncurrent assets of held for sale and discontinued businesses" on the balance sheet Capitalized computer software, net Capitalized Computer Software, Net Estimated Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Beginning Balance (Shares) Shares, Issued Total change in fair value of available-for-sale securities, net of income tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Total foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax Total change in derivative fair value, including a reclassification to earnings, net of income tax Total pension adjustments, net of income tax Balance sheet reclassification related to an equity method investment Balance sheet reclassification related to an equity method investment Balance sheet reclassification related to an equity method investment Capital contributions from noncontrolling interests Capital Contributions From Noncontrolling Interests Amount of capital contributions from a noncontrolling interest. Distributions to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Disposition of businesses Noncontrolling Interest Decrease Due To Disposition Of Businesses Decrease in noncontrolling interest balance due to disposition of businesses. Acquisition of treasury stock Acquisition of treasury stock (shares) Issuance and exercise of stock-based compensation benefit plans, net of income tax Stock Issued During Period Value Benefit Plans And Exercise Of Stock Options And Warrants Net Of Tax The value of stock issued during the period related to benefit plans and the exercise of stock options and warrants, net of tax. Issuance of common stock under benefit plans and exercise of stock options, net of income tax (shares) Stock Issued During Period Shares Benefit Plans And Exercise Of Stock Options And Warrants The number of shares of stock issued during the period related to benefit plans and the exercise of stock options and warrants, net of tax. Dividends declared on common stock Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests Acquisition of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests Ending Balance Ending Balance (Shares) Revenue: Electric Revenue [Abstract] Regulated Electrical Distribution Revenue Non-regulated Total revenue Cost of sales: Cost of Goods Sold, Electric [Abstract] Regulated Non-regulated Total cost of sales Cost of Goods Sold, Electric Operating margin General and administrative expenses Interest expense Interest income Loss on extinguishment of debt Other expense Other income Gain on disposal and sale of investments Asset impairment expense Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) Other non-operating expense INCOME (LOSS) FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS Income (loss) from operations of discontinued businesses, net of income tax (benefit) expense of $23, $24, and $26, respectively Net gain (loss) from disposal and impairments of discontinued operations, net of income tax (benefit) expense of $4, $(15), and $68, respectively Noncontrolling interests: Income Amounts Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Disclosures [Abstract] Less: (Income) from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests Less: (Income) loss from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS: Income Amounts Attributable to Parent, Disclosures [Abstract] Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE: Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders, net of tax Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders, net of tax DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE: Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders, net of tax Income (loss) from discontinued operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders, net of tax DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE (in dollars per share) Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Revenue from subsidiaries and affiliates Revenue from Related Parties Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries and affiliates Equity In Earnings Of Subsidiaries And Affiliates Represents the parent company's equity in earnings of subsidiaries and affiliates. Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax benefit (expense) Financial Instruments Not Measured At Fair Value In Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Line Items] Financial Instruments Not Measured At Fair Value In Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Line Items] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Financial Instruments Not Measured At Fair Value In the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] Financial Instruments Not Measured At Fair Value In the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Accounts receivable - noncurrent Accounts Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Liabilities [Abstract] Non-recourse debt Recourse debt Value added tax Value Added Tax Receivable, Noncurrent Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Renewable energy certificates Renewable Energy Certificates [Member] Represents intangible assets resulting from acquiring renewable energy certificates. Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite Lived Intangible Asset Acquired Amount Indefinite Lived Intangible Asset Acquired Amount The aggregate cost of a major indefinite-lived intangible asset class acquired, during the period, either individually or as part of a group of assets (in either an asset acquisition or business combination). Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Interest Rate Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] 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. Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Total gains (losses) (realized and unrealized): Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net [Abstract] Included in earnings Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Assets Liabilities Gain Loss Included In Earnings This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings or resulted in a change in net asset value. Included in other comprehensive income - derivative activity Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Assets Liabilities Gain Loss Included In Other Comprehensive Income - Derivatives This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other comprehensive income - derivatives (a separate component of shareholders' equity). Included in other comprehensive income - foreign currency translation activity Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Assets Liabilities Gain Loss Included In Other Comprehensive Income - Foreign Currency This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other comprehensive income - foreign currency (a separate component of shareholders' equity. Included in regulatory (assets) liabilities Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in regulatory assets or liabilities. Settlements Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Derivative Assets Liabilities Settlements Settlements that have taken place during the period in relation to derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Transfers of assets (liabilities) into Level 3 Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Assets Liabilities Transfers In This element represents transfers in to derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which have taken place during the period. Transfers of (assets) liabilities out of Level 3 Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Assets Liabilities Transfers Out This element represents transfers out of derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) which have taken place during the period. Balance at end of period Total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities held at the end of the period Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Change In Unrealized Gain Loss Included In Other Income This item represents the amount of the total change in unrealized (holding) gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income (or changes in net assets). Such unrealized (holding) gains or losses relate to those derivative assets and liabilities still held at the reporting date for which fair value is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract] Expected volatility Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Expected annual dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Expected option term (years) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Fair value at grant date (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Fair Value At Grant Date The expected weighted average fair value of option grants at the grant date Benefit Obligation: Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Discount rates Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Rates of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Periodic Benefit Cost: Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Defined benefit plan, benefit obligation subsidiary using salary bonds Defined Benefit Plan Benefit Obligation Subsidiary Using Salary Bands Represents the benefit obligation (the projected benefit obligation, which is the actuarial present value as of a date of all benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to employee service rendered prior to that date) of a subsidiary which uses salary bands to determine future benefit costs rather than a rate of compensation increase Recourse Debt Excluding Junior Subordinated Debt Recourse Debt Excluding Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] Recourse Debt Excluding Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] Less: Current maturities Long-term Debt of Registrant, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Schedule Of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entities By Classification Of Entity [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Classification Of Variable Interest Entity [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Consolidated Variable Interest Entities [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Non-recourse debt - current balance at variable interest entities Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets Information for pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Unobservable Inputs [Table] Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Unobservable Inputs [Table] Summarization of information required to be provided for the purposes of understanding unobservable valuation inputs. Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Unobservable Inputs [Axis] Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Unobservable Inputs [Axis] Summarization of information required to be provided for the purposes of understanding unobservable valuation inputs. Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Valuation Technique [Domain] Fair Value Assets Measured On Nonrecurring Basis Unobservable Inputs Valuation Technique [Domain] Represents the valuation technique used. Discounted Cash Flow Discounted Cash Flow [Member] Discounted cash flow is a valuation technique utilized by the Company. Ebute Annual Revenue Growth Input Annual Revenue Growth Input Annual revenue growth used in forecasting cash flows. Pretax Operating Margin Input Pretax Operating Margin Input Pretax operating margin used in projecting cash flows. Cost of Equity Fair Value Inputs, Cost of Equity Cost of Equity Components of Other Income Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income, by Component [Table Text Block] Components of Other Expense Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component [Table Text Block] Designated as Hedging Instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED ON THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract] Noncurrent assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent Accrued benefit liability—current Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Accrued benefit liability—noncurrent Net amount recognized at end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates Categorization [Axis] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates Categorization [Axis] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates Categorization [Domain] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates Categorization [Domain] Minority Owned Affiliates Minority Owned Affiliates [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Majority Owned Affiliates Majority Owned Affiliates [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Assets, Current Assets, Noncurrent Assets, Noncurrent Liabilities, Current Liabilities, Noncurrent Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Undistributed Earnings Of Minority Owned Affiliates Included In Retained Earnings Undistributed Earnings Of Minority Owned Affiliates Included In Retained Earnings The amount of undistributed earnings of 50%-or-less owned affiliates included in retained earnings Distributions Received From Minority Owned Affiliates Distributions Received From Minority Owned Affiliates The amount of distributions received from 50%-or-less owned affiliates Basis Difference Between Carrying Amount And Investment Basis Difference Between Carrying Amount And Investment -- None. No documentation exists for this element. --