Significant Accounting Matters (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Basic and Diluted EPS Calculations
Earnings Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders	$ 560,000	$ 363,000
Weighted Average Number of Basic AEP Common Shares Outstanding	487,867,089	485,823,668
Total Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders	$ 1.15	$ 0.75
Weighted Average Dilutive Effect of:
Weighted Average Number of Diluted AEP Common Shares Outstanding	488,271,167	486,344,036
Total Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders	$ 1.15	$ 0.75
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders
Net Income	560,000	363,000
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Antidilutive Shares Outstanding	0	0
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member]
Basic and Diluted EPS Calculations
Earnings Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders	21,860	10,458
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders
Net Income	$ 21,860	$ 10,458
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Weighted Average Dilutive Effect of:
Weighted Average Dilutive Effect of Shares	0	0
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share	$ 0	$ 0
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Weighted Average Dilutive Effect of:
Weighted Average Dilutive Effect of Shares	400,000	500,000
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share	$ 0	$ 0