Dispositions (Details) (AES Cartagena [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 26, 2013 MW	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 09, 2012
AES Cartagena [Member]
Dispositions
Cartagena generation capacity (MW)	1,199
Proceeds from sale of ownership interest in Cartagena	$ 24
Gain on sale of Cartagena		$ 20		$ 178
Cartagena ownership interest sold				80.00%	80.00%
Cartagena ownership interest prior to sale				70.81%
Acquirer's option to purchase additional ownership interest in Cartagena					20.00%
Term of buyer option to purchase Company's remaining interest			5 months
Company's continuing ownership interest extension period (beyond one year)				1 year