The charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value.

+ References+ Details

This item represents disclosure of the amount of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporation; these investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The amount by which the fair value of an investment is less than the amortized cost basis or carrying amount of that investment at the balance sheet date and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, before considering whether or not such amount is recognized in earnings or other comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS115-1/124-1

-Paragraph 15C

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 35

-Paragraph 34

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=16383099&loc=d3e25351-111560

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 16

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS115-1/124-1

-Paragraph 16B

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS115-1/124-1

-Paragraph 15D

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS115-2/124-2

-Paragraph 22

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The cash inflow associated with the sale of equity method investments, which are investments in joint ventures and entities in which the entity has an equity ownership interest normally of 20 to 50 percent and exercises significant influence.

+ References+ Details

Investments In Unconsolidated Affiliates (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investments In Unconsolidated Affiliates And Related Party Transactions [Line Items]
Impairment charge	$ 6		$ 11
Impairment charges	666	335	726
Distributions from equity investments	183	149	111
Cash proceeds from exercise of cash settlement option			184
INDU Solar Holdings [Member]
Investments In Unconsolidated Affiliates And Related Party Transactions [Line Items]
Ownership interest	50.00%	50.00%
Suez-DEGS Solutions [Member]
Investments In Unconsolidated Affiliates And Related Party Transactions [Line Items]
Ownership interest		49.00%
International Energy [Member]
Investments In Unconsolidated Affiliates And Related Party Transactions [Line Items]
Ownership interest	25.00%	25.00%
Q-Comm Corporation [Member]
Investments In Unconsolidated Affiliates And Related Party Transactions [Line Items]
Ownership interest			30.00%
Proceeds from sale of ownership interest			165
Amount of common shares included in net proceeds			87
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal			109
DukeNet [Member]
Investments In Unconsolidated Affiliates And Related Party Transactions [Line Items]
Ownership interest	50.00%
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal			$ 139
Alinda Capital Partners Interest In DukeNet [Member]
Investments In Unconsolidated Affiliates And Related Party Transactions [Line Items]
Ownership interest			50.00%
Duke Energy Interest In DukeNet [Member]
Investments In Unconsolidated Affiliates And Related Party Transactions [Line Items]
Ownership interest	50.00%
DS Cornerstone [Member]
Investments In Unconsolidated Affiliates And Related Party Transactions [Line Items]
Ownership interest	50.00%
Sweetwater I-V [Member]
Investments In Unconsolidated Affiliates And Related Party Transactions [Line Items]
Ownership interest	50.00%	50.00%