Property, Plant and Equipment (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy	We provide for depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment, excluding coal-mining properties, on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of property, generally using composite rates by functional class. We provide for depreciation, depletion and amortization of coal-mining assets over each asset's estimated useful life or the estimated life of each mine, whichever is shorter, using the straight-line method for mining structures and equipment. We use either the straight-line method or the units-of-production method to amortize mine development costs and deplete coal rights based on estimated recoverable tonnages. We include these costs in the cost of coal charged to fuel expense. For regulated operations, the composite depreciation rate generally includes a component for non-asset retirement obligation (non-ARO) removal costs, which is credited to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Actual removal costs incurred are charged to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Any excess of accrued non-ARO removal costs over actual removal costs incurred is reclassified from Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization and reflected as a regulatory liability. For nonregulated operations, non-ARO removal costs are expensed as incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy	Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO) We record ARO in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations” for our legal obligations for asbestos removal and for the retirement of certain ash disposal facilities, closure and monitoring of underground carbon storage facilities at Mountaineer Plant, wind farms and certain coal mining facilities, as well as for nuclear decommissioning of our Cook Plant. We have identified, but not recognized, ARO liabilities related to electric transmission and distribution assets as a result of certain easements on property on which we have assets. Generally, such easements are perpetual and require only the retirement and removal of our assets upon the cessation of the property's use. We do not estimate the retirement for such easements because we plan to use our facilities indefinitely. The retirement obligation would only be recognized if and when we abandon or cease the use of specific easements, which is not expected.
Appalachian Power Co [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy	The Registrant Subsidiaries provide for depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment, excluding coal-mining properties, on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of property, generally using composite rates by functional class. For regulated operations, the composite depreciation rate generally includes a component for nonasset retirement obligation (non-ARO) removal costs, which is credited to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Actual removal costs incurred are charged to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Any excess of accrued non-ARO removal costs over actual removal costs incurred is reclassified from Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization and reflected as a regulatory liability. For nonregulated operations, non-ARO removal costs are expensed as incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy	Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO) The Registrant Subsidiaries record ARO in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations” for the retirement of certain ash disposal facilities, closure and monitoring of underground carbon storage facilities at Mountaineer Plant and coal mining facilities as well as asbestos removal. I&M records ARO for the decommissioning of the Cook Plant. The Registrant Subsidiaries have identified, but not recognized, ARO liabilities related to electric transmission and distribution assets as a result of certain easements on property on which assets are owned. Generally, such easements are perpetual and require only the retirement and removal of assets upon the cessation of the property's use. The retirement obligation is not estimable for such easements since the Registrant Subsidiaries plan to use their facilities indefinitely. The retirement obligation would only be recognized if and when the Registrant Subsidiaries abandon or cease the use of specific easements, which is not expected.
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy	The Registrant Subsidiaries provide for depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment, excluding coal-mining properties, on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of property, generally using composite rates by functional class. For regulated operations, the composite depreciation rate generally includes a component for nonasset retirement obligation (non-ARO) removal costs, which is credited to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Actual removal costs incurred are charged to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Any excess of accrued non-ARO removal costs over actual removal costs incurred is reclassified from Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization and reflected as a regulatory liability. For nonregulated operations, non-ARO removal costs are expensed as incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy	Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO) The Registrant Subsidiaries record ARO in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations” for the retirement of certain ash disposal facilities, closure and monitoring of underground carbon storage facilities at Mountaineer Plant and coal mining facilities as well as asbestos removal. I&M records ARO for the decommissioning of the Cook Plant. The Registrant Subsidiaries have identified, but not recognized, ARO liabilities related to electric transmission and distribution assets as a result of certain easements on property on which assets are owned. Generally, such easements are perpetual and require only the retirement and removal of assets upon the cessation of the property's use. The retirement obligation is not estimable for such easements since the Registrant Subsidiaries plan to use their facilities indefinitely. The retirement obligation would only be recognized if and when the Registrant Subsidiaries abandon or cease the use of specific easements, which is not expected.
Ohio Power Co [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy	The Registrant Subsidiaries provide for depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment, excluding coal-mining properties, on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of property, generally using composite rates by functional class. For regulated operations, the composite depreciation rate generally includes a component for nonasset retirement obligation (non-ARO) removal costs, which is credited to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Actual removal costs incurred are charged to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Any excess of accrued non-ARO removal costs over actual removal costs incurred is reclassified from Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization and reflected as a regulatory liability. For nonregulated operations, non-ARO removal costs are expensed as incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy	Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO) The Registrant Subsidiaries record ARO in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations” for the retirement of certain ash disposal facilities, closure and monitoring of underground carbon storage facilities at Mountaineer Plant and coal mining facilities as well as asbestos removal. I&M records ARO for the decommissioning of the Cook Plant. The Registrant Subsidiaries have identified, but not recognized, ARO liabilities related to electric transmission and distribution assets as a result of certain easements on property on which assets are owned. Generally, such easements are perpetual and require only the retirement and removal of assets upon the cessation of the property's use. The retirement obligation is not estimable for such easements since the Registrant Subsidiaries plan to use their facilities indefinitely. The retirement obligation would only be recognized if and when the Registrant Subsidiaries abandon or cease the use of specific easements, which is not expected.
Public Service Co of Oklahoma [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy	The Registrant Subsidiaries provide for depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment, excluding coal-mining properties, on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of property, generally using composite rates by functional class. For regulated operations, the composite depreciation rate generally includes a component for nonasset retirement obligation (non-ARO) removal costs, which is credited to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Actual removal costs incurred are charged to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Any excess of accrued non-ARO removal costs over actual removal costs incurred is reclassified from Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization and reflected as a regulatory liability. For nonregulated operations, non-ARO removal costs are expensed as incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy	Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO) The Registrant Subsidiaries record ARO in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations” for the retirement of certain ash disposal facilities, closure and monitoring of underground carbon storage facilities at Mountaineer Plant and coal mining facilities as well as asbestos removal. I&M records ARO for the decommissioning of the Cook Plant. The Registrant Subsidiaries have identified, but not recognized, ARO liabilities related to electric transmission and distribution assets as a result of certain easements on property on which assets are owned. Generally, such easements are perpetual and require only the retirement and removal of assets upon the cessation of the property's use. The retirement obligation is not estimable for such easements since the Registrant Subsidiaries plan to use their facilities indefinitely. The retirement obligation would only be recognized if and when the Registrant Subsidiaries abandon or cease the use of specific easements, which is not expected.
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy	The Registrant Subsidiaries provide for depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment, excluding coal-mining properties, on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of property, generally using composite rates by functional class. SWEPCo provides for depreciation, depletion and amortization of coal-mining assets over each asset's estimated useful life or the estimated life of each mine, whichever is shorter, using the straight-line method for mining structures and equipment. SWEPCo uses either the straight-line method or the units-of-production method to amortize mine development costs and deplete coal rights based on estimated recoverable tonnages. SWEPCo includes these costs in fuel expense. For regulated operations, the composite depreciation rate generally includes a component for nonasset retirement obligation (non-ARO) removal costs, which is credited to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Actual removal costs incurred are charged to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Any excess of accrued non-ARO removal costs over actual removal costs incurred is reclassified from Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization and reflected as a regulatory liability. For nonregulated operations, non-ARO removal costs are expensed as incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy	Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO) The Registrant Subsidiaries record ARO in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations” for the retirement of certain ash disposal facilities, closure and monitoring of underground carbon storage facilities at Mountaineer Plant and coal mining facilities as well as asbestos removal. I&M records ARO for the decommissioning of the Cook Plant. The Registrant Subsidiaries have identified, but not recognized, ARO liabilities related to electric transmission and distribution assets as a result of certain easements on property on which assets are owned. Generally, such easements are perpetual and require only the retirement and removal of assets upon the cessation of the property's use. The retirement obligation is not estimable for such easements since the Registrant Subsidiaries plan to use their facilities indefinitely. The retirement obligation would only be recognized if and when the Registrant Subsidiaries abandon or cease the use of specific easements, which is not expected.

Property, Plant and Equipment (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

We provide for depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment, excluding coal-mining properties, on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of property, generally using composite rates by functional class.

We provide for depreciation, depletion and amortization of coal-mining assets over each asset's estimated useful life or the estimated life of each mine, whichever is shorter, using the straight-line method for mining structures and equipment. We use either the straight-line method or the units-of-production method to amortize mine development costs and deplete coal rights based on estimated recoverable tonnages. We include these costs in the cost of coal charged to fuel expense.

For regulated operations, the composite depreciation rate generally includes a component for non-asset retirement obligation (non-ARO) removal costs, which is credited to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Actual removal costs incurred are charged to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Any excess of accrued non-ARO removal costs over actual removal costs incurred is reclassified from Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization and reflected as a regulatory liability. For nonregulated operations, non-ARO removal costs are expensed as incurred.

Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy

Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO)

We record ARO in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations” for our legal obligations for asbestos removal and for the retirement of certain ash disposal facilities, closure and monitoring of underground carbon storage facilities at Mountaineer Plant, wind farms and certain coal mining facilities, as well as for nuclear decommissioning of our Cook Plant. We have identified, but not recognized, ARO liabilities related to electric transmission and distribution assets as a result of certain easements on property on which we have assets. Generally, such easements are perpetual and require only the retirement and removal of our assets upon the cessation of the property's use. We do not estimate the retirement for such easements because we plan to use our facilities indefinitely. The retirement obligation would only be recognized if and when we abandon or cease the use of specific easements, which is not expected.

Appalachian Power Co [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy

The Registrant Subsidiaries provide for depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment, excluding coal-mining properties, on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of property, generally using composite rates by functional class.

For regulated operations, the composite depreciation rate generally includes a component for nonasset retirement obligation (non-ARO) removal costs, which is credited to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Actual removal costs incurred are charged to Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Any excess of accrued non-ARO removal costs over actual removal costs incurred is reclassified from Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization and reflected as a regulatory liability. For nonregulated operations, non-ARO removal costs are expensed as incurred.

Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy

Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO)

The Registrant Subsidiaries record ARO in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations” for the retirement of certain ash disposal facilities, closure and monitoring of underground carbon storage facilities at Mountaineer Plant and coal mining facilities as well as asbestos removal. I&M records ARO for the decommissioning of the Cook Plant. The Registrant Subsidiaries have identified, but not recognized, ARO liabilities related to electric transmission and distribution assets as a result of certain easements on property on which assets are owned. Generally, such easements are perpetual and require only the retirement and removal of assets upon the cessation of the property's use. The retirement obligation is not estimable for such easements since the Registrant Subsidiaries plan to use their facilities indefinitely. The retirement obligation would only be recognized if and when the Registrant Subsidiaries abandon or cease the use of specific easements, which is not expected.

Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy

Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy

Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO)

Ohio Power Co [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy

Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy

Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO)

Public Service Co of Oklahoma [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy

Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy

Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO)

Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member]

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy

SWEPCo provides for depreciation, depletion and amortization of coal-mining assets over each asset's estimated useful life or the estimated life of each mine, whichever is shorter, using the straight-line method for mining structures and equipment. SWEPCo uses either the straight-line method or the units-of-production method to amortize mine development costs and deplete coal rights based on estimated recoverable tonnages. SWEPCo includes these costs in fuel expense.

Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy

Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO)

- Definition

Disclosure of accounting policy for (1) legal obligations associated with the disposal or removal of a long-lived asset from service that result from the acquisition, construction, or development or from the normal operation of a long-lived asset (except obligations of a lessee in connection with leased property that are minimum lease payments or contingent rentals, or obligations that arise solely from a plan to sell or otherwise dispose of a long-lived asset); and (2) certain environmental remediation liabilities that resulted from the improper or other-than-normal operation of a long-lived asset. This accounting policy may address (1) whether the related remediation costs are expensed or capitalized, (2) whether the obligation is measured on a discounted basis, (3) the event, situation, or set of circumstances that generally triggers recognition of loss contingencies arising from the entity's environmental remediation-related obligations, and (4) the timing of recognition of any recoveries.

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