<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <Version>2.4.1.9</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>Html</ReportFormat>
  <ContextCount>418</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>393</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>137</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>18</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0001000 - Document - Document And Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document And Entity Information</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheets</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1001501 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1002501 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfOperationsParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1003501 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>1004000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/CondensedConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2101100 - Disclosure - Financial Statement Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/FinancialStatementPresentation</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Statement Presentation</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2102100 - Disclosure - Inventory</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/Inventory</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2103100 - Disclosure - Fair Value</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/FairValue</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2104100 - Disclosure - Investments In Marketable Securities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/InvestmentsInMarketableSecurities</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments In Marketable Securities</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2105100 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2106100 - Disclosure - Financing Receivables</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/FinancingReceivables</Role>
      <ShortName>Financing Receivables</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2107100 - Disclosure - Investment In and Advances To Affiliates</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/InvestmentInAndAdvancesToAffiliates</Role>
      <ShortName>Investment In and Advances To Affiliates</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2108100 - Disclosure - Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/Debt</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2109100 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Commitments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/ContingenciesAndCommitments</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies and Commitments</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2110100 - Disclosure - Pension Plans</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/PensionPlans</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension Plans</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2111100 - Disclosure - Equity</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/Equity</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2112100 - Disclosure - Segments</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/Segments</Role>
      <ShortName>Segments</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2113100 - Disclosure - Other Income and Expense</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/OtherIncomeAndExpense</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Income and Expense</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2115100 - Disclosure - Goodwill Impairment</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/GoodwillImpairment</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill Impairment</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2116100 - Disclosure - Asset Impairment Expense</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/AssetImpairmentExpense</Role>
      <ShortName>Asset Impairment Expense</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2119100 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations and Held-For-Sale Businesses</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinesses</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations and Held-For-Sale Businesses</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2120100 - Disclosure - Acquisitions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/Acquisitions</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2121100 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/EarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2122100 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/SubsequentEvents</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2201201 - Disclosure - Financial Statement Presentation (Policies)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/FinancialStatementPresentationPolicies</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Statement Presentation (Policies)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2302301 - Disclosure - Inventory (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/InventoryTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2303301 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/FairValueTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2304301 - Disclosure - Investments In Marketable Securities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/InvestmentsInMarketableSecuritiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments In Marketable Securities (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2305301 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2306301 - Disclosure - Financing Receivables (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/FinancingReceivablesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Financing Receivables (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2307301 - Disclosure - Investments In and Advances To Affiliates (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/InvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliatesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments In and Advances To Affiliates (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2308301 - Disclosure - Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DebtTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2309301 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Commitments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/ContingenciesAndCommitmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies and Commitments (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2310301 - Disclosure - Pension Plans (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/PensionPlansTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension Plans (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2311301 - Disclosure - Equity (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/EquityTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2312301 - Disclosure - Segments (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/SegmentsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segments (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2316301 - Disclosure - Asset Impairment Expense (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/AssetImpairmentExpenseTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Asset Impairment Expense (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2319301 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations and Held-For-Sale Businesses (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations and Held-For-Sale Businesses (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2321301 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2401402 - Disclosure - Financial Statement Presentation New Accounting Pronouncement Adopted (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/FinancialStatementPresentationNewAccountingPronouncementAdoptedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Financial Statement Presentation New Accounting Pronouncement Adopted (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2402402 - Disclosure - Inventory (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/InventoryDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403402 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Recurring Measurements) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/FairValueRecurringMeasurementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value (Recurring Measurements) (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403403 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Level 3 Reconciliation) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/FairValueLevel3ReconciliationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value (Level 3 Reconciliation) (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403404 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Quantitative Information) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/FairValueQuantitativeInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value (Quantitative Information) (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403405 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Nonrecurring Measurements) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/FairValueNonrecurringMeasurementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value (Nonrecurring Measurements) (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2403406 - Disclosure - Fair Value (Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value) (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/FairValueInstrumentsNotMeasuredAtFairValueDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fair Value (Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value) (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2404402 - Disclosure - Investments In Marketable Securities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/InvestmentsInMarketableSecuritiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments In Marketable Securities (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405402 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 1 (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesPart1Details</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 1 (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405403 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 2 (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesPart2Details</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 2 (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405404 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 3 (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesPart3Details</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 3 (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405405 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 4 (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesPart4Details</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 4 (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2405406 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure abstract (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstractDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure abstract (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2406402 - Disclosure - Financing Receivables (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/FinancingReceivablesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Financing Receivables (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2407402 - Disclosure - Investments In and Advances To Affiliates (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/InvestmentsInAndAdvancesToAffiliatesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Investments In and Advances To Affiliates (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408402 - Disclosure - Debt - Recourse Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DebtRecourseDebtDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Recourse Debt (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408403 - Disclosure - Debt - Non-Recourse Debt Narrative (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DebtNonRecourseDebtNarrativeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Non-Recourse Debt Narrative (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2408404 - Disclosure - Debt - Subsidiary Non-recourse Debt in Default or Accelerated (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DebtSubsidiaryNonRecourseDebtInDefaultOrAcceleratedDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Debt - Subsidiary Non-recourse Debt in Default or Accelerated (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409402 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Commitments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/ContingenciesAndCommitmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies and Commitments (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2409403 - Disclosure - Contingencies and Commitments - Loss Contingencies (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/ContingenciesAndCommitmentsLossContingenciesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies and Commitments - Loss Contingencies (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2410402 - Disclosure - Pension Plans (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/PensionPlansDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension Plans (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411402 - Disclosure - Equity (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/EquityDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411403 - Disclosure - Equity Reclassifications Out of AOCL (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/EquityReclassificationsOutOfAoclDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Reclassifications Out of AOCL (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411404 - Disclosure - Equity Equity Transactions with Noncontrolling Interests (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/EquityEquityTransactionsWithNoncontrollingInterestsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Equity Transactions with Noncontrolling Interests (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R67.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411405 - Disclosure - Equity Stock Repurchase Program (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/EquityStockRepurchaseProgramDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Stock Repurchase Program (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R68.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2411406 - Disclosure - Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/EquityAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveLossDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R69.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2412402 - Disclosure - Segments (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/SegmentsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segments (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R70.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413402 - Disclosure - Other Income and Expense - Other Income (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/OtherIncomeAndExpenseOtherIncomeDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Income and Expense - Other Income (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R71.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2413403 - Disclosure - Other Income and Expense - Other Expense (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/OtherIncomeAndExpenseOtherExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Other Income and Expense - Other Expense (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R72.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2415401 - Disclosure - Goodwill Impairment (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/GoodwillImpairmentDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill Impairment (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R73.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2416402 - Disclosure - Asset Impairment Expense (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/AssetImpairmentExpenseDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Asset Impairment Expense (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R74.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2419402 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations And Held-For-Sale Businesses (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsAndHeldForSaleBusinessesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations And Held-For-Sale Businesses (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R75.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2420401 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R76.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2421402 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R77.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>2422401 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://www.aes.com/role/SubsequentEventsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Subsequent Events (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <HasEmbeddedReports>false</HasEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Info">Element aes_USDollarIndexationInArgentina had a mix of decimals attribute values: 0 2.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage had a mix of decimals attribute values: 0 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_MinorityInterestOwnershipPercentageByNoncontrollingOwners had a mix of decimals attribute values: 2 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification had a mix of decimals attribute values: -8 -6.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod had a mix of decimals attribute values: -8 -6.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '2404402 - Disclosure - Investments In Marketable Securities (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '2405405 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 4 (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '2408402 - Disclosure - Debt - Recourse Debt (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '2408403 - Disclosure - Debt - Non-Recourse Debt Narrative (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '2411404 - Disclosure - Equity Equity Transactions with Noncontrolling Interests (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '2415401 - Disclosure - Goodwill Impairment (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '2422401 - Disclosure - Subsequent Events (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 1001000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Mar. 31, 2014'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2013'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 1001501 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 1002000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 1002501 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 1003000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 1003501 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 1004000 - Statement - Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>aes-20150331.xml</File>
    <File>aes-20150331.xsd</File>
    <File>aes-20150331_cal.xml</File>
    <File>aes-20150331_def.xml</File>
    <File>aes-20150331_lab.xml</File>
    <File>aes-20150331_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles />
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
