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Acquisitions, Development and Divestures (Details) (USD $)
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Sep. 30, 2014
Jun. 30, 2014
Mar. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Sep. 30, 2013
Jun. 30, 2013
Mar. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2014
MW
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Deferred income tax recorded as result of agreement to adjust valuation allowances                 $ 640,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits $ 72,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits $ 424,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
Spinoff transaction costs                 19,000,000us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost 0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost 0us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
Divestitures - Montana Hydro Sale (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Capacity of facilities sold (in MW)                 633ppl_CapacityOfFacilitiesInDisposalGroupMegaWatt    
Agreed upon sales price for disposal of hydroelectric facilities owned by PPL Montana                 900,000,000ppl_AgreedUponSalesPriceForDisposalOfBusinessPlantFacilityOrUnit    
Number of hydroelectric facilities owned by PPL Montana sold 11ppl_NumberOfFullyOwnedHydroelectricFacilitiesSold               11ppl_NumberOfFullyOwnedHydroelectricFacilitiesSold    
Discontinued Operations (Details) [Abstract]                      
Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations 144,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax [1],[2] 7,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax [1] 11,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax [1] (8,000,000)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax [1] 4,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax [1] 7,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax [1] 15,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax [1] 8,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax [1] 154,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax 34,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax 40,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
Other - Montana Transactions (Numeric) [Line Items]                      
Loss on lease termination                 0us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination (697,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination 0us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination
Loss on sale-leaseback termination, after-tax                   413,000,000ppl_SaleLeasebackTransactionLossNetOfTax  
Payment on lease termination                   271,000,000ppl_LossOnLeaseTerminationCashPortion  
Cane Run And Green River Plants [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Number of plants anticipated to retire based on stricter EPA regulations or new construction                 5ppl_NumberOfAnticipatedPlantRetirementsDueToReplacementConstruction
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_CaneRunAndGreenRiverPlantsMember		    
Capacity of plants anticipated to be retired (in MW)                 724ppl_CapacityAnticipatedPlantRetirements
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_CaneRunAndGreenRiverPlantsMember		    
Tyrone Plant [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Capacity of plants retired (in MW)                 71ppl_CapacityPlantRetirements
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_TyronePlantMember		    
Haefling Plant [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Capacity of plants retired (in MW)                 12ppl_CapacityPlantRetirements
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_HaeflingPlantMember		    
Solar Generation Facility [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Planned capacity expansion (in MW)                 10ppl_PlannedMegaWattExpansionOfCapacity
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember		    
Expected capital cost of an expansion project 36,000,000ppl_ExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProject
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember		               36,000,000ppl_ExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProject
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember		    
Holtwood Hydroelectric Plant Expansion [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Completed capacity expansion (in MW)         125ppl_CompletedCapacityMegaWattIncrease
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_HoltwoodHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember		         125ppl_CompletedCapacityMegaWattIncrease
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_HoltwoodHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember		  
Cumulative deferred investments tax credits recorded                 117,000,000ppl_ActualInvestmentsTaxCreditsRecorded
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_HoltwoodHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember		    
Treasury grants approved, accepted and to be received in lieu of tax credits                 108,000,000ppl_SpecifiedEnergyPropertyInLieuOfTaxCreditsAwarded
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_HoltwoodHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember		    
Rainbow Hydroelectric Plant Expansion [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Completed capacity expansion (in MW)         63ppl_CompletedCapacityMegaWattIncrease
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_RainbowHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember		         63ppl_CompletedCapacityMegaWattIncrease
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_RainbowHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember		  
Cumulative deferred investments tax credits recorded                 60,000,000ppl_ActualInvestmentsTaxCreditsRecorded
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_RainbowHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember		    
Treasury grants approved, accepted and to be received in lieu of tax credits                 56,000,000ppl_SpecifiedEnergyPropertyInLieuOfTaxCreditsAwarded
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_RainbowHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember		    
Proposed Bell Bend Nuclear Unit [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Number of applicants still active in DOE nuclear guarantee program                 8ppl_NumberOfApplicantsStillActiveForNuclearGuarantee
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember		    
Number of applicants that submitted loan guarantees to the DOE                 10ppl_NumberOfApplicantsForNuclearGuarantee
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember		    
Current appropriated federal loan guarantees for nuclear projects 18,500,000,000ppl_CurrentAppropriatedFederalLoanGuaranteesForNuclearProjects
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember		               18,500,000,000ppl_CurrentAppropriatedFederalLoanGuaranteesForNuclearProjects
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember		    
Maximum number of projects the DOE is expected to finance                 3ppl_MaximumNumberProjectsWithCurrentFunding
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember		    
Amount currently authorized by Board of Directors to spend on Bell Bend COLA 224,000,000ppl_TotalBoardOfDirectorsAuthorizedSpendingOnExpansionProjectForLicensing
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember		               224,000,000ppl_TotalBoardOfDirectorsAuthorizedSpendingOnExpansionProjectForLicensing
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember		    
Capitalized costs associated with licensing efforts 188,000,000ppl_CapitalizedCostsAssociatedWithLicensingEfforts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember		       173,000,000ppl_CapitalizedCostsAssociatedWithLicensingEfforts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember		       188,000,000ppl_CapitalizedCostsAssociatedWithLicensingEfforts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember		 173,000,000ppl_CapitalizedCostsAssociatedWithLicensingEfforts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember		  
Susquehanna Roseland Transmission Line [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Total length (in miles) of the expansion project                 150ppl_TotalLengthOfExpansionProjectInMiles
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember		    
Capacity (in kilovolts) of a transmission line                 500ppl_CapacityOfTransmissionLineInKilovolts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember		    
Share of the expected capital cost of an expansion project when the company has a joint ownership interest 630,000,000ppl_ShareOfExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProjectWithJointOwnedInterest
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember		               630,000,000ppl_ShareOfExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProjectWithJointOwnedInterest
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember		    
Project costs capitalized 597,000,000ppl_CapitalizedProjectCosts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember		       377,000,000ppl_CapitalizedProjectCosts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember		       597,000,000ppl_CapitalizedProjectCosts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember		 377,000,000ppl_CapitalizedProjectCosts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember		  
Total length (in miles) of the expansion project to be routed through Pennsylvania                 101ppl_TotalLengthOfExpansionProjectInMilesPennsylvania
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember		    
Northeast Pocono Reliability Project [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Expected capital cost of an expansion project 335,000,000ppl_ExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProject
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember		               335,000,000ppl_ExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProject
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember		    
Total length (in miles) of the expansion project                 58ppl_TotalLengthOfExpansionProjectInMiles
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember		    
Capacity (in kilovolts) of a transmission line                 230ppl_CapacityOfTransmissionLineInKilovolts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember		    
Number of new substations included in request 3ppl_SubstationsIncludedInRequest
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember		               3ppl_SubstationsIncludedInRequest
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember		    
Adder to the return on equity incentive denied in ratemaking request (in basis points) 100ppl_AdderDeniedInRateRequest
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember		               100ppl_AdderDeniedInRateRequest
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember		    
PPL Energy Supply Spinoff [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Spinoff agreement execution date                 Jun. 09, 2014    
Certain details of spinoff transaction                 PPL and PPL Energy Supply executed definitive agreements with affiliates of Riverstone to combine their competitive power generation businesses into a new, stand-alone, publicly traded company named Talen Energy. Under the terms of the agreements, at closing, PPL will spin off to PPL shareowners a newly formed entity, Talen Energy Holdings, Inc. (Holdco), which at such time will own all of the membership interests of PPL Energy Supply and all of the common stock of Talen Energy. Immediately following the spinoff, Holdco will merge with a special purpose subsidiary of Talen Energy, with Holdco continuing as the surviving company to the merger and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Talen Energy and the sole owner of PPL Energy Supply. Substantially contemporaneous with the spinoff and merger, RJS Power will be contributed by its owners to become a subsidiary of Talen Energy.    
Initial percent ownership in new company, Talen Energy, by PPL shareowners                 65.00%ppl_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesOwnershipPercentageByShareowners
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
Initial percent ownership in new company, Talen Energy, by Riverstone Holdings, LLC                 35.00%ppl_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesOwnershipPercentageByRiverstone
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
Minimum capacity of revolving credit facility for Talen required at closing under agreement terms                 1,000,000,000ppl_RestructuringAndRelatedCostMinimumCapacityOfRevolvingCreditFacilityForSpinoff
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
Capacity, in total, to be divested in connection with the spinoff (in MW)                 1,300ppl_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesCapacityDivested
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
Number of asset groups proposed to be divested, one of which to be selected                 2ppl_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAssetGroupsDivestedProposed
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
Number of asset groups that will be divested                 1ppl_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAssetGroupsDivested
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
Maximum term after closing to divest an asset group (in months)                 Within 12 months    
Spinoff expected completion date                 Expected to close in the second quarter of 2015    
Montana Hydroelectric Generating Facilities [Member]                      
Discontinued Operations (Details) [Abstract]                      
Operating revenues                 117,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember		 139,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember		 154,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
Gain on the sale                 237,000,000us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember		    
Interest expense                 9,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestExpense
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember		 [3] 12,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestExpense
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember		 [3] 10,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestExpense
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember		 [3]
Income (loss) before income taxes                 263,000,000us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember		 49,000,000us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember		 73,000,000us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations                 154,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember		 32,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember		 46,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
Property, plant and equipment included in assets of discontinued operations 544,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember		               544,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember		    
Goodwill included in assets of discontinued operations 82,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwill
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember		               82,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwill
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember		    
Spinoff [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Deferred income tax recorded as result of agreement to adjust valuation allowances                 50,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember		    
Spinoff anticipated transaction costs in future periods                 60,000,000us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCostRemaining
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember		    
Spinoff [Member] | PPL Energy Supply Spinoff [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Number of employees impacted                 306us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedNumberOfPositionsEliminated
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
Spinoff transaction costs                 27,000,000us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
Spinoff [Member] | PPL Energy Supply Spinoff [Member] | Minimum [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Additional seperation costs to be recognized at the spinoff closing date                 30,000,000ppl_SeveranceCostsExpectedCostRemaining
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
Spinoff [Member] | PPL Energy Supply Spinoff [Member] | Maximum [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Additional seperation costs to be recognized at the spinoff closing date                 40,000,000ppl_SeveranceCostsExpectedCostRemaining
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
Spinoff anticipated transaction costs in future periods                 70,000,000us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedCostRemaining
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
Spinoff [Member] | PPL Energy Supply Spinoff [Member] | Other Operation Maintenance [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Seperation benefits                 36,000,000us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= ppl_OtherOperationMaintenanceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
Spinoff transaction costs                 8,000,000us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= ppl_OtherOperationMaintenanceMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
Spinoff [Member] | PPL Energy Supply Spinoff [Member] | Other Income (Expense) Net [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Spinoff transaction costs                 19,000,000us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostIncurredCost
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= ppl_OtherIncomeExpenseNetMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
PPL Energy Supply LLC [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Deferred income tax recorded as result of agreement to adjust valuation allowances                 (26,000,000)us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 (296,000,000)us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 152,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember
Divestitures - Montana Hydro Sale (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Capacity of facilities sold (in MW)                 633ppl_CapacityOfFacilitiesInDisposalGroupMegaWatt
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Agreed upon sales price for disposal of hydroelectric facilities owned by PPL Montana                 900,000,000ppl_AgreedUponSalesPriceForDisposalOfBusinessPlantFacilityOrUnit
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Number of hydroelectric facilities owned by PPL Montana sold 11ppl_NumberOfFullyOwnedHydroelectricFacilitiesSold
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		               11ppl_NumberOfFullyOwnedHydroelectricFacilitiesSold
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Discontinued Operations (Details) [Abstract]                      
Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations                 223,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 32,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 46,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember
Other - Montana Transactions (Numeric) [Line Items]                      
Loss on lease termination                 0us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 (697,000,000)us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 0us-gaap_GainLossOnContractTermination
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember
Loss on sale-leaseback termination, after-tax                   413,000,000ppl_SaleLeasebackTransactionLossNetOfTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		  
Payment on lease termination                   271,000,000ppl_LossOnLeaseTerminationCashPortion
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		  
PPL Energy Supply LLC [Member] | Holtwood Hydroelectric Plant Expansion [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Completed capacity expansion (in MW)         125ppl_CompletedCapacityMegaWattIncrease
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_HoltwoodHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		         125ppl_CompletedCapacityMegaWattIncrease
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_HoltwoodHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		  
Cumulative deferred investments tax credits recorded                 117,000,000ppl_ActualInvestmentsTaxCreditsRecorded
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_HoltwoodHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Treasury grants approved, accepted and to be received in lieu of tax credits                 108,000,000ppl_SpecifiedEnergyPropertyInLieuOfTaxCreditsAwarded
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_HoltwoodHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
PPL Energy Supply LLC [Member] | Rainbow Hydroelectric Plant Expansion [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Completed capacity expansion (in MW)         63ppl_CompletedCapacityMegaWattIncrease
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_RainbowHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		         63ppl_CompletedCapacityMegaWattIncrease
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_RainbowHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		  
Cumulative deferred investments tax credits recorded                 60,000,000ppl_ActualInvestmentsTaxCreditsRecorded
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_RainbowHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Treasury grants approved, accepted and to be received in lieu of tax credits                 56,000,000ppl_SpecifiedEnergyPropertyInLieuOfTaxCreditsAwarded
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_RainbowHydroelectricPlantExpansionMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
PPL Energy Supply LLC [Member] | Proposed Bell Bend Nuclear Unit [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Number of applicants still active in DOE nuclear guarantee program                 8ppl_NumberOfApplicantsStillActiveForNuclearGuarantee
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Number of applicants that submitted loan guarantees to the DOE                 10ppl_NumberOfApplicantsForNuclearGuarantee
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Current appropriated federal loan guarantees for nuclear projects 18,500,000,000ppl_CurrentAppropriatedFederalLoanGuaranteesForNuclearProjects
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		               18,500,000,000ppl_CurrentAppropriatedFederalLoanGuaranteesForNuclearProjects
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Maximum number of projects the DOE is expected to finance                 3ppl_MaximumNumberProjectsWithCurrentFunding
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Amount currently authorized by Board of Directors to spend on Bell Bend COLA 224,000,000ppl_TotalBoardOfDirectorsAuthorizedSpendingOnExpansionProjectForLicensing
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		               224,000,000ppl_TotalBoardOfDirectorsAuthorizedSpendingOnExpansionProjectForLicensing
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Capitalized costs associated with licensing efforts 188,000,000ppl_CapitalizedCostsAssociatedWithLicensingEfforts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		       173,000,000ppl_CapitalizedCostsAssociatedWithLicensingEfforts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		       188,000,000ppl_CapitalizedCostsAssociatedWithLicensingEfforts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 173,000,000ppl_CapitalizedCostsAssociatedWithLicensingEfforts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_ProposedBellBendNuclearUnitMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		  
PPL Energy Supply LLC [Member] | PPL Energy Supply Spinoff [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Spinoff agreement execution date                 Jun. 09, 2014    
Certain details of spinoff transaction                 PPL and PPL Energy Supply executed definitive agreements with affiliates of Riverstone to combine their competitive power generation businesses into a new, stand-alone, publicly traded company named Talen Energy. Under the terms of the agreements, at closing, PPL will spin off to PPL shareowners a newly formed entity, Talen Energy Holdings, Inc. (Holdco), which at such time will own all of the membership interests of PPL Energy Supply and all of the common stock of Talen Energy. Immediately following the spinoff, Holdco will merge with a special purpose subsidiary of Talen Energy, with Holdco continuing as the surviving company to the merger and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Talen Energy and the sole owner of PPL Energy Supply. Substantially contemporaneous with the spinoff and merger, RJS Power will be contributed by its owners to become a subsidiary of Talen Energy.    
Initial percent ownership in new company, Talen Energy, by PPL shareowners                 65.00%ppl_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesOwnershipPercentageByShareowners
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Initial percent ownership in new company, Talen Energy, by Riverstone Holdings, LLC                 35.00%ppl_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesOwnershipPercentageByRiverstone
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Minimum capacity of revolving credit facility for Talen required at closing under agreement terms                 1,000,000,000ppl_RestructuringAndRelatedCostMinimumCapacityOfRevolvingCreditFacilityForSpinoff
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Capacity, in total, to be divested in connection with the spinoff (in MW)                 1,300ppl_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesCapacityDivested
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Number of asset groups proposed to be divested, one of which to be selected                 2ppl_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAssetGroupsDivestedProposed
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Number of asset groups that will be divested                 1ppl_RestructuringAndRelatedActivitiesAssetGroupsDivested
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Maximum term after closing to divest an asset group (in months)                 Within 12 months    
Spinoff expected completion date                 Expected to close in the second quarter of 2015    
PPL Energy Supply LLC [Member] | Montana Hydroelectric Generating Facilities [Member]                      
Discontinued Operations (Details) [Abstract]                      
Operating revenues                 117,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 139,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 154,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationRevenue
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember
Gain on the sale                 306,000,000us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationGainLossFromDisposalOfDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Interest expense                 9,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestExpense
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 [3] 12,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestExpense
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 [3] 10,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationInterestExpense
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 [3]
Income (loss) before income taxes                 332,000,000us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 49,000,000us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 73,000,000us-gaap_DiscontinuedOperationIncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationBeforeIncomeTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember
Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations                 223,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 32,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		 46,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember
Property, plant and equipment included in assets of discontinued operations 544,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		               544,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationPropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
Goodwill included in assets of discontinued operations 14,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwill
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		               14,000,000us-gaap_DisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperationGoodwill
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementBalanceSheetAndAdditionalDisclosuresByDisposalGroupsIncludingDiscontinuedOperationsAxis
= ppl_MontanaHydroelectricGeneratingFacilitiesMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember		    
PPL Energy Supply LLC [Member] | Spinoff [Member] | PPL Energy Supply Spinoff [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Number of employees impacted                 112us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedNumberOfPositionsEliminated
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
PPL Energy Supply LLC [Member] | Spinoff [Member] | PPL Energy Supply Spinoff [Member] | Minimum [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Additional seperation costs to be recognized at the spinoff closing date                 30,000,000ppl_SeveranceCostsExpectedCostRemaining
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MinimumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
PPL Energy Supply LLC [Member] | Spinoff [Member] | PPL Energy Supply Spinoff [Member] | Maximum [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Additional seperation costs to be recognized at the spinoff closing date                 40,000,000ppl_SeveranceCostsExpectedCostRemaining
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember
/ us-gaap_RangeAxis
= us-gaap_MaximumMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
PPL Energy Supply LLC [Member] | Spinoff [Member] | PPL Energy Supply Spinoff [Member] | Other Operation Maintenance [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Seperation benefits                 16,000,000us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= ppl_OtherOperationMaintenanceMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplyLLCMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
PPL Electric Utilities Corp [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Deferred income tax recorded as result of agreement to adjust valuation allowances                 87,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		 127,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		 114,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember
PPL Electric Utilities Corp [Member] | Susquehanna Roseland Transmission Line [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Total length (in miles) of the expansion project                 150ppl_TotalLengthOfExpansionProjectInMiles
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		    
Capacity (in kilovolts) of a transmission line                 500ppl_CapacityOfTransmissionLineInKilovolts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		    
Share of the expected capital cost of an expansion project when the company has a joint ownership interest 630,000,000ppl_ShareOfExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProjectWithJointOwnedInterest
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		               630,000,000ppl_ShareOfExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProjectWithJointOwnedInterest
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		    
Project costs capitalized 597,000,000ppl_CapitalizedProjectCosts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		       377,000,000ppl_CapitalizedProjectCosts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		       597,000,000ppl_CapitalizedProjectCosts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		 377,000,000ppl_CapitalizedProjectCosts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		  
Total length (in miles) of the expansion project to be routed through Pennsylvania                 101ppl_TotalLengthOfExpansionProjectInMilesPennsylvania
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SusquehannaRoselandTransmissionLineMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		    
PPL Electric Utilities Corp [Member] | Northeast Pocono Reliability Project [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Expected capital cost of an expansion project 335,000,000ppl_ExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProject
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		               335,000,000ppl_ExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProject
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		    
Total length (in miles) of the expansion project                 58ppl_TotalLengthOfExpansionProjectInMiles
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		    
Capacity (in kilovolts) of a transmission line                 230ppl_CapacityOfTransmissionLineInKilovolts
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		    
Number of new substations included in request 3ppl_SubstationsIncludedInRequest
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		               3ppl_SubstationsIncludedInRequest
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		    
Adder to the return on equity incentive denied in ratemaking request (in basis points) 100ppl_AdderDeniedInRateRequest
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		               100ppl_AdderDeniedInRateRequest
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_NortheastPoconoReliabilityProjectMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember		    
PPL Electric Utilities Corp [Member] | Spinoff [Member] | PPL Energy Supply Spinoff [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Number of employees impacted                 14us-gaap_RestructuringAndRelatedCostExpectedNumberOfPositionsEliminated
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
PPL Electric Utilities Corp [Member] | Spinoff [Member] | PPL Energy Supply Spinoff [Member] | Other Operation Maintenance [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Seperation benefits                 1,000,000us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1
/ us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis
= ppl_OtherOperationMaintenanceMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_PplElectricUtilitiesCorpMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis
= us-gaap_SpinoffMember
/ us-gaap_RestructuringPlanAxis
= ppl_PplEnergySupplySpinoffMember		    
LG And E And KU Energy LLC [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Deferred income tax recorded as result of agreement to adjust valuation allowances                 449,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LGAndEAndKUEnergyLLCMember		 254,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LGAndEAndKUEnergyLLCMember		 133,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LGAndEAndKUEnergyLLCMember
Discontinued Operations (Details) [Abstract]                      
Income (loss) from Discontinued Operations                 0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LGAndEAndKUEnergyLLCMember		 2,000,000us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LGAndEAndKUEnergyLLCMember		 (6,000,000)us-gaap_IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LGAndEAndKUEnergyLLCMember
LG And E And KU Energy LLC [Member] | Cane Run And Green River Plants [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Number of plants anticipated to retire based on stricter EPA regulations or new construction                 5ppl_NumberOfAnticipatedPlantRetirementsDueToReplacementConstruction
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_CaneRunAndGreenRiverPlantsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LGAndEAndKUEnergyLLCMember		    
Capacity of plants anticipated to be retired (in MW)                 724ppl_CapacityAnticipatedPlantRetirements
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_CaneRunAndGreenRiverPlantsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LGAndEAndKUEnergyLLCMember		    
LG And E And KU Energy LLC [Member] | Tyrone Plant [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Capacity of plants retired (in MW)                 71ppl_CapacityPlantRetirements
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_TyronePlantMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LGAndEAndKUEnergyLLCMember		    
LG And E And KU Energy LLC [Member] | Haefling Plant [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Capacity of plants retired (in MW)                 12ppl_CapacityPlantRetirements
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_HaeflingPlantMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LGAndEAndKUEnergyLLCMember		    
LG And E And KU Energy LLC [Member] | Solar Generation Facility [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Planned capacity expansion (in MW)                 10ppl_PlannedMegaWattExpansionOfCapacity
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LGAndEAndKUEnergyLLCMember		    
Expected capital cost of an expansion project 36,000,000ppl_ExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProject
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LGAndEAndKUEnergyLLCMember		               36,000,000ppl_ExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProject
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LGAndEAndKUEnergyLLCMember		    
Louisville Gas And Electric Co [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Deferred income tax recorded as result of agreement to adjust valuation allowances                 118,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LouisvilleGasAndElectricCoMember		 26,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LouisvilleGasAndElectricCoMember		 69,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LouisvilleGasAndElectricCoMember
Louisville Gas And Electric Co [Member] | Cane Run And Green River Plants [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Number of plants anticipated to retire based on stricter EPA regulations or new construction                 5ppl_NumberOfAnticipatedPlantRetirementsDueToReplacementConstruction
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_CaneRunAndGreenRiverPlantsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LouisvilleGasAndElectricCoMember		    
Capacity of plants anticipated to be retired (in MW)                 724ppl_CapacityAnticipatedPlantRetirements
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_CaneRunAndGreenRiverPlantsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LouisvilleGasAndElectricCoMember		    
Louisville Gas And Electric Co [Member] | Green River Plant [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Ownership percentage in a jointly owned plant 40.00%us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantProportionateOwnershipShare
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_GreenRiverPlantMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LouisvilleGasAndElectricCoMember		               40.00%us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantProportionateOwnershipShare
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_GreenRiverPlantMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LouisvilleGasAndElectricCoMember		    
Louisville Gas And Electric Co [Member] | Solar Generation Facility [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Planned capacity expansion (in MW)                 10ppl_PlannedMegaWattExpansionOfCapacity
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LouisvilleGasAndElectricCoMember		    
Expected capital cost of an expansion project 36,000,000ppl_ExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProject
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LouisvilleGasAndElectricCoMember		               36,000,000ppl_ExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProject
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LouisvilleGasAndElectricCoMember		    
Ownership percentage in a jointly owned plant 36.00%us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantProportionateOwnershipShare
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LouisvilleGasAndElectricCoMember		               36.00%us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantProportionateOwnershipShare
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_LouisvilleGasAndElectricCoMember		    
Kentucky Utilities Co [Member]                      
Divestitures - Anticipated Spinoff of PPL Energy Supply (Numeric) [Abstract]                      
Deferred income tax recorded as result of agreement to adjust valuation allowances                 224,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_KentuckyUtilitiesCoMember		 69,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_KentuckyUtilitiesCoMember		 99,000,000us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxesAndTaxCredits
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_KentuckyUtilitiesCoMember
Kentucky Utilities Co [Member] | Cane Run And Green River Plants [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Number of plants anticipated to retire based on stricter EPA regulations or new construction                 5ppl_NumberOfAnticipatedPlantRetirementsDueToReplacementConstruction
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_CaneRunAndGreenRiverPlantsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_KentuckyUtilitiesCoMember		    
Capacity of plants anticipated to be retired (in MW)                 724ppl_CapacityAnticipatedPlantRetirements
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_CaneRunAndGreenRiverPlantsMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_KentuckyUtilitiesCoMember		    
Kentucky Utilities Co [Member] | Tyrone Plant [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Capacity of plants retired (in MW)                 71ppl_CapacityPlantRetirements
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_TyronePlantMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_KentuckyUtilitiesCoMember		    
Kentucky Utilities Co [Member] | Haefling Plant [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Capacity of plants retired (in MW)                 12ppl_CapacityPlantRetirements
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_HaeflingPlantMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_KentuckyUtilitiesCoMember		    
Kentucky Utilities Co [Member] | Green River Plant [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Ownership percentage in a jointly owned plant 60.00%us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantProportionateOwnershipShare
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_GreenRiverPlantMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_KentuckyUtilitiesCoMember		               60.00%us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantProportionateOwnershipShare
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_GreenRiverPlantMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_KentuckyUtilitiesCoMember		    
Kentucky Utilities Co [Member] | Solar Generation Facility [Member]                      
Development Projects [Abstract]                      
Planned capacity expansion (in MW)                 10ppl_PlannedMegaWattExpansionOfCapacity
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_KentuckyUtilitiesCoMember		    
Expected capital cost of an expansion project $ 36,000,000ppl_ExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProject
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_KentuckyUtilitiesCoMember		               $ 36,000,000ppl_ExpectedCapitalCostOfExpansionProject
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_KentuckyUtilitiesCoMember		    
Ownership percentage in a jointly owned plant 64.00%us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantProportionateOwnershipShare
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_KentuckyUtilitiesCoMember		               64.00%us-gaap_JointlyOwnedUtilityPlantProportionateOwnershipShare
/ ppl_DevelopmentProjectsAxis
= ppl_SolarGenerationFacilityMember
/ dei_LegalEntityAxis
= ppl_KentuckyUtilitiesCoMember		    
[1]

Quarterly results can vary depending on, among other things, weather and the forward pricing of power. Accordingly, comparisons among quarters of a year may not be indicative of overall trends and changes in operations.

[2]

Fourth quarter of 2014 includes a gain of $137 million (after tax) from the sale of hydroelectric generating facilities of PPL Montana. See Note 8 to the Financial Statements for additional information.
[3]

Represents allocated interest expense based upon the discontinued operations share of the net assets of PPL Energy Supply.