Fair Value Measurements (Details 6) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations	$ 15,627	$ 15,716
Carrying Value
Fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations	16,942	17,165
Fair Value
Fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations	19,677	19,320
FES
Fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations	3,085	2,799
FES | Carrying Value
Fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations	4,133	3,675
FES | Fair Value
Fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations	4,494	3,931
OE
Fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations	1,157	1,155
OE | Carrying Value
Fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations	1,157	1,157
OE | Fair Value
Fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations	1,500	1,434
JCP&L
Fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations	1,711	1,736
JCP&L | Carrying Value
Fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations	1,753	1,777
JCP&L | Fair Value
Fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations	$ 2,092	$ 2,080