Risk Management, Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities (Information Regarding Cash Collateral Under Master Netting Arrangements) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Amounts offset against derivative positions on the net condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Receivables		$ 10
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash - not offset against net derivative	72	30
Duke Energy Ohio [Member]
Amounts offset against derivative positions on the net condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, Receivables		9
Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash - not offset against net derivative	$ 70	$ 28

The amount as of the balance sheet date of the fair value of derivative assets that in accordance with the entity's accounting policy was offset against an obligation to return cash collateral under a master netting arrangement.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FIN39-1

-Paragraph 10B

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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 815

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=d3e41678-113959

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant