Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Restricted Cash) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Duke Energy Corp [Member]
Restricted Cash	$ 104	$ 126
Duke Energy Carolinas [Member]
Restricted Cash		2
Duke Energy Ohio [Member]
Restricted Cash	30	4
Duke Energy Indiana [Member]
Restricted Cash		$ 6

- Definition

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalent items which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits; however, time deposits and short-term certificates of deposit are not generally included in legally restricted deposits. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. This element is for unclassified presentations; for classified presentations there is a separate and distinct element.

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