CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Receivables Net Current [Abstract]
Accounts receivable reserve for uncollectible accounts	$ 69	$ 54
Property, Plant and Equipment
PP&E, net from the consolidation of a VIE	417	416
Other Noncurrent Assets
Other intangibles from the consolidation of a VIE	10	11
Shareowners' Equity
Common stock par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock shares authorized	780,000	780,000
Common stock shares issued	579,520	578,405
Common stock shares outstanding	579,520	578,405
PPL Energy Supply [Member]
Receivables Net Current [Abstract]
Accounts receivable reserve for uncollectible accounts	26	15
Property, Plant and Equipment
PP&E, net from the consolidation of a VIE	417	416
Other Noncurrent Assets
Other intangibles from the consolidation of a VIE	10	11
PPL Electric [Member]
Receivables Net Current [Abstract]
Accounts receivable reserve for uncollectible accounts	17	17
Shareowners' Equity
Common stock par value	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock shares authorized	170,000	170,000
Common stock shares issued	66,368	66,368
Common stock shares outstanding	66,368	66,368
LKE [Member]
Receivables Net Current [Abstract]
Accounts receivable reserve for uncollectible accounts	20	17
LGE [Member]
Receivables Net Current [Abstract]
Accounts receivable reserve for uncollectible accounts	2	2
Shareowners' Equity
Common stock par value	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock shares authorized	75,000	75,000
Common stock shares issued	21,294	21,294
Common stock shares outstanding	21,294	21,294
KU [Member]
Receivables Net Current [Abstract]
Accounts receivable reserve for uncollectible accounts	$ 2	$ 2
Shareowners' Equity
Common stock par value	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock shares authorized	80,000	80,000
Common stock shares issued	37,818	37,818
Common stock shares outstanding	37,818	37,818