Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
NET INCOME	$ 199	$ 515
Foreign currency translation activity:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $0 and $(1), respectively	(32)	142
Reclassification to earnings, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $0 and $0, respectively	(3)	(1)
Total foreign currency translation adjustments	(35)	141
Derivative activity:
Change in derivative fair value, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $0 and $(4), respectively	(16)	21
Reclassification to earnings, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $(7) and $(28), respectively	24	86
Total change in fair value of derivatives	8	107
Pension activity:
Reclassification to earnings due to amortization of net actuarial loss, net of income tax (expense) benefit of $(7) and (3), respectively	14	6
Total pension adjustments	14	6
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	(13)	254
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	186	769
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(136)	(245)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION	$ 50	$ 524