SCHEDULE I - NOTES TO CONDENSED UNCONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements [Line Items]
2020	$ 1,278
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt (Details) [Abstract]
2021	1,150
Principal outstanding	20,282	$ 18,399
LKE Guarantee [Member] \| Indemnification Guarantee [Member] \| Indemnification Of Lease Termination And Other Divestitures [Member]
Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements [Line Items]
Maximum exposure	$ 201
Term of guarantee (in years)	12 years
Maximum exposure of guarantee related to terminated lease specific to operational, regulatory and environmental issues	$ 200
Maximum exposure of other guarantees expiring related to a terminated lease	$ 100
L G And E And K U Energy L L C Unconsolidated [Member]
Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Terms	11
PPL Corp [Member] \| PPL Guarantee [Member] \| Financial Guarantee [Member] \| Indemnifications issued by PPL Capital Funding [Member]
Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements [Line Items]
Maximum exposure	$ 9,700
Expiration date	2073
L G And E And K U Energy L L C Unconsolidated [Member] \| Senior Unsecured Notes [Member]
Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements [Line Items]
2020	$ 475
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt (Details) [Abstract]
2021	250
L G And E And K U Energy L L C Unconsolidated [Member] \| Note Payable [Member] \| PPL [Member]
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt (Details) [Abstract]
Principal outstanding	$ 400
Maturity date (in years)	Dec. 31, 2026
L G And E And K U Energy L L C Unconsolidated [Member] \| Note Payable [Member] \| L G And E And K U Services Company [Member]
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt (Details) [Abstract]
Principal outstanding	$ 76
Maturity date (in years)	Dec. 31, 2019
Stated interest rate	2.10%
L G And E And K U Energy L L C Unconsolidated [Member] \| LKE Guarantee [Member] \| Indemnification Guarantee [Member] \| Indemnification Of Lease Termination And Other Divestitures [Member]
Condensed Unconsolidated Financial Statements [Line Items]
Term of guarantee (in years)	12
Expiration date minimum	2021
Maximum exposure of guarantee related to terminated lease specific to operational, regulatory and environmental issues	$ 200
Maximum exposure of other guarantees expiring related to a terminated lease	$ 100
Expiration date maximum	2023

The expiration date of the guarantee or group of similar guarantees.

No definition available.

Name:	ppl_GuaranteeExpirationDate
Namespace Prefix:	ppl_
Data Type:	xbrli:gYearItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The maximum expiration date of the guarantee or group of similar guarantees.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ppl_GuaranteeExpirationDateMaximum
Namespace Prefix:	ppl_
Data Type:	xbrli:gYearItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The minimum expiration date of the guarantee or group of similar guarantees.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ppl_GuaranteeExpirationDateMinimum
Namespace Prefix:	ppl_
Data Type:	xbrli:gYearItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The maximum exposure of a guarantee related to the termination of a lease related to certain non-utility generating stations in western Kentucky until July 2009. This portion of the guarantee relates to covering operational, regulatory and environmental commitments and indemnifications made under the agreement.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ppl_GuaranteeMaximumExposure2021
Namespace Prefix:	ppl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The maximum exposure of other guarantees related to a subsidiary that leased certain non-utility generating stations in western Kentucky until July 2009 not defined earlier.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ppl_GuaranteeMaximumExposure2023
Namespace Prefix:	ppl_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CondensedFinancialStatementsCaptionsLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount, before unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 944
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 942
-SubTopic 210
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Date when the debt instrument is scheduled to be fully repaid, in CCYY-MM-DD format.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) the guarantor could be required to make under the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees before reduction for potential recoveries under recourse or collateralization provisions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (b)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82913245&loc=d3e12069-110248

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsMaximumExposure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Describe the approximate term of the guarantee or each group of similar guarantees.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82913245&loc=d3e12069-110248

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsTerm
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtByMaturityAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24072-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearFour
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of long-term debt payable, sinking fund requirements, and other securities issued that are redeemable by holder at fixed or determinable prices and dates maturing in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Excludes interim and annual periods when interim periods are reported on a rolling approach, from latest balance sheet date.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 470
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6802200&loc=d3e1835-112601

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 235
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (SX 210.12-04.(a))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e24072-122690

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtMaturitiesRepaymentsOfPrincipalInYearThree
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Description of the terms of a settlement agreement which resolved the legal matter, including the nature of the consideration, timing of payment, and the nature of rights obtained or lost (for example, but not limited to, patent, trademark, copyright, license and franchise rights).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82911808&loc=d3e14435-108349

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82911808&loc=d3e14557-108349

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82911808&loc=d3e14326-108349

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencySettlementAgreementTerms
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	ppl_GuaranteeByEntityAxis=ppl_LouisvilleGasAndElectricAndKuEnergyGuaranteeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis=us-gaap_IndemnificationGuaranteeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	ppl_GuaranteeByDescriptionAxis=ppl_IndemnificationsIssuedByLkeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	ppl_GuaranteeByEntityAxis=ppl_LGEandKUEnergyLLCUnconsolidatedMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=us-gaap_ParentCompanyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	ppl_GuaranteeByEntityAxis=ppl_PplGuaranteeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis=us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	ppl_GuaranteeByDescriptionAxis=ppl_IndemnificationsIssuedByPplCapitalFundingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesAxis=ppl_LGEandKUEnergyLLCUnconsolidatedMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=ppl_NotePayableMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=us-gaap_AffiliatedEntityMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RelatedPartyTransactionsByRelatedPartyAxis=ppl_LGAndEAndKUServicesCompanyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: