Taxes (Details 5) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
FE
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	$ 12,863
FE | 2012-2016
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	885
FE | 2017-2021
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	901
FE | 2022-2026
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	8,402
FE | 2027-2031
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	2,675
FES
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	1,089
FES | 2012-2016
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	644
FES | 2017-2021
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	33
FES | 2022-2026
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	4
FES | 2027-2031
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	408
Penelec
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	470
Penelec | 2012-2016
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	0
Penelec | 2017-2021
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	119
Penelec | 2022-2026
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	94
Penelec | 2027-2031
Pre-tax net operating loss expiration period
Pre-tax net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes	$ 257