2.2.0.7 false Goodwill 00203 - Disclosure - Goodwill true false false false 1 USD false false USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 Pure Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance pure xbrli 0 EPS Divide http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 Shares Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance shares xbrli 0 $ 2 Goodwill [Abstract] 0 fe_GoodwillAbstract fe false na duration Goodwill Abstract. false false false false false true false false false false false false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string Goodwill Abstract. false 3 GOODWILL 1 us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTextBlock us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 3. GOODWILL In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Goodwill is evaluated for impairment at least annually and more frequently if indicators of impairment arise. In accordance with the accounting standards, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), the goodwill is tested for impairment. Impairment is indicated and a loss is recognized if the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill is less than the carrying value of its goodwill.  FirstEnergy's goodwill primarily relates to its energy delivery services segment. FirstEnergy's aggregated reporting units are consistent with its operating segments, which are energy delivery services and competitive energy. Goodwill is allocated to these operating segments based on the original purchase price allocation for acquisitions within the various reporting units. The goodwill allocated to competitive energy is insignificant to that segment and to FirstEnergy. Annual impairment testing is conducted during the third quarter of each year and for 2010 the analysis indicated no impairment of goodwill. For purposes of annual testing the estimated fair values of energy delivery services and the utilities were determined using a discounted cash flow approach.  The discounted cash flow model of the reporting units, which are aggregated into operating segments, is based on the forecasted operating cash flow for the current year, projected operating cash flows for the next five years (determined using forecasted amounts as well as an estimated growth rate) and a terminal value beyond five years. Discounted cash flows consist of the operating cash flows for each reporting unit less an estimate for capital expenditures. The key assumptions incorporated in the discounted cash flow approach include growth rates, projected operating income, changes in working capital, projected capital expenditures, planned funding of pension plans, anticipated funding of nuclear decommissioning trusts, expected results of future rate proceedings and a discount rate equal to our assumed long term cost of capital. Cash flows may be adjusted to exclude certain non-recurring or unusual items. Reporting unit income, which excludes non-recurring or unusual items, was the starting point for determining operating cash flow and there were no non- recurring or unusual items excluded from the calculations of operating cash flow in any of the periods included in the determination of fair value. Unanticipated changes in assumptions could have a significant effect on FirstEnergy's evaluation of goodwill. At the time of annual impairment testing, fair value would have to have declined in excess of 52% for energy delivery services to indicate a potential goodwill impairment. Fair value would have to have declined more than 26% for CEI, 64% for TE, 38% for JCP&L, 56% for Met-Ed, and 57% for Penelec to indicate potential goodwill impairment. 3. GOODWILL In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is false false false us-types:textBlockItemType textblock The carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill during the period in total and for each reportable segment. At least annually, an Entity must evaluate its goodwill for impairment. 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