Significant Accounting Matters (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Basic and Diluted EPS Calculations
Earnings Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders	$ 487,000,000		$ 928,000,000	$ 1,238,000,000		$ 1,633,000,000
Weighted Average Number of Basic AEP Common Shares Outstanding	484,979,543		482,498,734	484,437,875		481,862,128
Total Basic Earnings Per Share Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders	$ 1.00		$ 1.92	$ 2.55		$ 3.39
Weighted Average Dilutive Effect of:
Weighted Average Number of Diluted AEP Common Shares Outstanding	485,362,858		482,796,945	484,826,123		482,126,964
Total Diluted Earnings Per Share Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders	$ 1.00		$ 1.92	$ 2.55		$ 3.39
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders
Income Before Extraordinary Item	487,000,000		655,000,000	1,238,000,000		1,360,000,000
Extraordinary Item, Net of Tax	0		273,000,000	0		273,000,000
Net Income	487,000,000		928,000,000	1,238,000,000		1,633,000,000
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Securitization Bonds	2,316,000,000			2,316,000,000			1,688,000,000
Securitized Transition Assets	2,179,000,000			2,179,000,000			1,627,000,000
Percentage Ownership of "Allegheny Series" by a Nonaffiliated Company				100.00%
Antidilutive Shares Outstanding				0		10,000
Extraordinary Item, Gross Loss Recorded in 2005 for Capacity Auction						421,000,000
Extraordinary Loss, Net of Tax Recorded in 2005 due to Capacity Auction Disallowance	0		273,000,000	0		273,000,000
Amounts Recorded Related to Capacity Auction True-Up						421,000,000
Extraordinary Gain, Net of Tax	0		273,000,000	0		273,000,000
Sabine Mining Co [Member]
Billings from Affiliates
Billings from VIE	35,000,000		33,000,000	126,000,000		97,000,000
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Billings from VIE	35,000,000		33,000,000	126,000,000		97,000,000
DCC Fuel [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Payments Made by I&M to DCC Fuel	23,000,000		6,000,000	82,000,000		49,000,000
Protected Cell Of Energy Insurance Services, Inc. [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Insurance Premium Expense to Protected Cell	16,000,000		16,000,000	31,000,000		46,000,000
AEP Credit, Inc. [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Minimum Percentage of Equity AEP Provides				5.00%
Percentage of Short Term Borrowing Needs in Excess of Third Party Financings				20.00%
Dolet Hills Lignite Co, LLC [Member]
Billings from Affiliates
Billings from VIE	20,000,000		18,000,000	54,000,000		47,000,000
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Billings from VIE	20,000,000		18,000,000	54,000,000		47,000,000
Percentage of VIE Sales of Lignite Produced				50.00%
Percentage of DHLCs Debt Guaranteed by Each SWEPCo and CLECO				50.00%
Percentage of Management Fee Received by SWEPCo from DHLC				100.00%
Capital Contribution From Parent [Member] | PATH West Virginia Transmission Co, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	19,000,000			19,000,000			19,000,000
Maximum Exposure	19,000,000			19,000,000			19,000,000
Capital Contribution From Parent [Member] | Dolet Hills Lignite Co, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	8,000,000			8,000,000			8,000,000
Maximum Exposure	8,000,000			8,000,000			8,000,000
Retained Earnings [Member] | PATH West Virginia Transmission Co, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	13,000,000			13,000,000			10,000,000
Maximum Exposure	13,000,000			13,000,000			10,000,000
Retained Earnings [Member] | Dolet Hills Lignite Co, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	1,000,000			1,000,000			1,000,000
Maximum Exposure	1,000,000			1,000,000			1,000,000
SWEPCo's Guarantee Of Debt [Member] | Dolet Hills Lignite Co, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0			0			0
Maximum Exposure	53,000,000			53,000,000			52,000,000
Total Investment [Member] | PATH West Virginia Transmission Co, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	32,000,000			32,000,000			29,000,000
Maximum Exposure	32,000,000			32,000,000			29,000,000
Total Investment [Member] | Dolet Hills Lignite Co, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	9,000,000			9,000,000			9,000,000
Maximum Exposure	62,000,000			62,000,000			61,000,000
Appalachian Power Co [Member]
Basic and Diluted EPS Calculations
Earnings Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders	63,191,000		52,605,000	200,834,000		122,812,000
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders
Net Income	63,191,000		52,605,000	200,834,000		122,812,000
AEP Consolidated Revenues - Utility Operations:
Sales to AEP Affiliates	84,940,000		98,419,000	216,284,000		259,641,000
AEP Consolidated Revenues - Other Revenues:
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation - Barging and Other Transportation Services (43.47% Owned)	84,940,000		98,419,000	216,284,000		259,641,000
Appalachian Power Co [Member] | Billings from American Electric Power Service Corporation [Member]
Billings from Affiliates
Billings from VIE	47,820,000		52,105,000	130,260,000		144,398,000
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Billings from VIE	47,820,000		52,105,000	130,260,000		144,398,000
Appalachian Power Co [Member] | Carrying Amount in AEPSC's Accounts Payable [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	18,989,000			18,989,000			20,812,000
Maximum Exposure	18,989,000			18,989,000			20,812,000
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member]
Basic and Diluted EPS Calculations
Earnings Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders	39,254,000		51,617,000	108,285,000		128,260,000
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders
Net Income	39,254,000		51,617,000	108,285,000		128,260,000
AEP Consolidated Revenues - Utility Operations:
Sales to AEP Affiliates	71,324,000		83,417,000	192,967,000		229,187,000
AEP Consolidated Revenues - Other Revenues:
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation - Barging and Other Transportation Services (43.47% Owned)	71,324,000		83,417,000	192,967,000		229,187,000
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Payments Made by I&M to DCC Fuel	23,000,000		6,000,000	82,000,000		49,000,000
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | Billings from AEP Generating Co [Member]
Billings from Affiliates
Billings from VIE	65,051,000		64,948,000	177,790,000		167,620,000
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Billings from VIE	65,051,000		64,948,000	177,790,000		167,620,000
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | Billings from American Electric Power Service Corporation [Member]
Billings from Affiliates
Billings from VIE	31,134,000		32,127,000	88,618,000		94,961,000
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Billings from VIE	31,134,000		32,127,000	88,618,000		94,961,000
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | Carrying Amount in AEPSC's Accounts Payable [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	12,654,000			12,654,000			13,741,000
Maximum Exposure	12,654,000			12,654,000			13,741,000
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | Carrying Amount in AEGCo's Accounts Payable [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	22,450,000			22,450,000			25,731,000
Maximum Exposure	22,450,000			22,450,000			25,731,000
Ohio Power Co [Member]
Basic and Diluted EPS Calculations
Earnings Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders	151,510,000		128,131,000	403,763,000		435,879,000
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders
Net Income	151,510,000		128,131,000	403,763,000		435,879,000
AEP Consolidated Revenues - Utility Operations:
Sales to AEP Affiliates	229,879,000		285,010,000	584,197,000		773,169,000
AEP Consolidated Revenues - Other Revenues:
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation - Barging and Other Transportation Services (43.47% Owned)	229,879,000		285,010,000	584,197,000		773,169,000
Ohio Power Co [Member] | Billings from AEP Generating Co [Member]
Billings from Affiliates
Billings from VIE	46,184,000		47,712,000	149,424,000		139,729,000
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Billings from VIE	46,184,000		47,712,000	149,424,000		139,729,000
Ohio Power Co [Member] | Billings from American Electric Power Service Corporation [Member]
Billings from Affiliates
Billings from VIE	72,751,000		73,664,000	193,686,000		210,533,000
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Billings from VIE	72,751,000		73,664,000	193,686,000		210,533,000
Ohio Power Co [Member] | Carrying Amount in AEPSC's Accounts Payable [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	27,379,000			27,379,000			29,823,000
Maximum Exposure	27,379,000			27,379,000			29,823,000
Ohio Power Co [Member] | Carrying Amount in AEGCo's Accounts Payable [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	12,006,000			12,006,000			22,139,000
Maximum Exposure	12,006,000			12,006,000			22,139,000
Public Service Co Of Oklahoma [Member]
Basic and Diluted EPS Calculations
Earnings Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders	58,103,000		57,300,000	105,962,000		104,151,000
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders
Net Income	58,103,000		57,300,000	105,962,000		104,151,000
AEP Consolidated Revenues - Utility Operations:
Sales to AEP Affiliates	6,865,000		2,115,000	19,377,000		10,696,000
AEP Consolidated Revenues - Other Revenues:
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation - Barging and Other Transportation Services (43.47% Owned)	6,865,000		2,115,000	19,377,000		10,696,000
Public Service Co Of Oklahoma [Member] | Billings from American Electric Power Service Corporation [Member]
Billings from Affiliates
Billings from VIE	21,728,000		21,924,000	60,625,000		62,471,000
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Billings from VIE	21,728,000		21,924,000	60,625,000		62,471,000
Public Service Co Of Oklahoma [Member] | Carrying Amount in AEPSC's Accounts Payable [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	9,105,000			9,105,000			9,280,000
Maximum Exposure	9,105,000			9,105,000			9,280,000
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member]
Basic and Diluted EPS Calculations
Earnings Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders	88,263,000		86,714,000	177,416,000		165,380,000
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders
Net Income	88,263,000		86,714,000	177,416,000		165,380,000
AEP Consolidated Revenues - Utility Operations:
Sales to AEP Affiliates	11,098,000		21,618,000	26,945,000		47,868,000
AEP Consolidated Revenues - Other Revenues:
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation - Barging and Other Transportation Services (43.47% Owned)	11,098,000		21,618,000	26,945,000		47,868,000
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
Billings from Affiliates
Billings from VIE	35,000,000		33,000,000	126,000,000		97,000,000
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Billings from VIE	35,000,000		33,000,000	126,000,000		97,000,000
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Dolet Hills Lignite Co, LLC [Member]
Billings from Affiliates
Billings from VIE	20,000,000		18,000,000	54,000,000		47,000,000
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Billings from VIE	20,000,000		18,000,000	54,000,000		47,000,000
Percentage of VIE Sales of Lignite Produced				50.00%
Percentage of DHLCs Debt Guaranteed by Each SWEPCo and CLECO				50.00%
Percentage of Management Fee Received by SWEPCo from DHLC				100.00%
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Billings from American Electric Power Service Corporation [Member]
Billings from Affiliates
Billings from VIE	33,154,000		35,101,000	93,120,000		96,494,000
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Billings from VIE	33,154,000		35,101,000	93,120,000		96,494,000
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Carrying Amount in AEPSC's Accounts Payable [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	14,054,000			14,054,000			14,699,000
Maximum Exposure	14,054,000			14,054,000			14,699,000
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Capital Contribution From Parent [Member] | Dolet Hills Lignite Co, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	7,643,000			7,643,000			7,643,000
Maximum Exposure	7,643,000			7,643,000			7,643,000
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member] | Dolet Hills Lignite Co, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	1,126,000			1,126,000			1,120,000
Maximum Exposure	1,126,000			1,126,000			1,120,000
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | SWEPCo's Guarantee Of Debt [Member] | Dolet Hills Lignite Co, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	0			0			0
Maximum Exposure	53,278,000			53,278,000			52,310,000
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Total Investment [Member] | Dolet Hills Lignite Co, LLC [Member]
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
As Reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheet	8,769,000			8,769,000			8,763,000
Maximum Exposure	62,047,000			62,047,000			61,073,000
AEP Generating Co [Member] | Rockport Generating Plant (Unit No. 1) [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Proportionate Ownership Share	50.00%			50.00%
AEP Generating Co [Member] | Rockport Generating Plant (Unit No. 2) [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Percentage Interest in Rockport Plant Unit 2 Lease	50.00%			50.00%
AEP Generating Co [Member] | Lawrenceburg Generating Station [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Jointly Owned Utility Plant, Proportionate Ownership Share	100.00%			100.00%
Cleco Power, LLC [Member] | Dolet Hills Lignite Co, LLC [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Percentage of VIE Sales of Lignite Produced				50.00%
Current Assets [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	71,000,000			71,000,000			48,000,000
Current Assets [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	155,000,000			155,000,000			118,000,000
Current Assets [Member] | Protected Cell Of Energy Insurance Services, Inc. [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	137,000,000			137,000,000			121,000,000
Current Assets [Member] | AEP Credit, Inc. [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	895,000,000			895,000,000			910,000,000
Current Assets [Member] | AEP Texas Central Transition Funding Co [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	222,000,000			222,000,000			220,000,000
Current Assets [Member] | Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	154,774,000			154,774,000			118,144,000
Current Assets [Member] | Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	71,026,000			71,026,000			48,044,000
Net Property Plant And Equipment [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	175,000,000			175,000,000			154,000,000
Net Property Plant And Equipment [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	208,000,000			208,000,000			188,000,000
Net Property Plant And Equipment [Member] | Protected Cell Of Energy Insurance Services, Inc. [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	0			0			0
Net Property Plant And Equipment [Member] | AEP Credit, Inc. [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	0			0			0
Net Property Plant And Equipment [Member] | AEP Texas Central Transition Funding Co [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	0			0			0
Net Property Plant And Equipment [Member] | Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	208,185,000			208,185,000			188,375,000
Net Property Plant And Equipment [Member] | Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	174,743,000			174,743,000			153,715,000
Other Non Current Assets [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	56,000,000			56,000,000			42,000,000
Other Non Current Assets [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	113,000,000			113,000,000			118,000,000
Other Non Current Assets [Member] | Protected Cell Of Energy Insurance Services, Inc. [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	5,000,000			5,000,000			6,000,000
Other Non Current Assets [Member] | AEP Credit, Inc. [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	1,000,000			1,000,000			1,000,000
Other Non Current Assets [Member] | AEP Texas Central Transition Funding Co [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	2,231,000,000	[1]		2,231,000,000	[1]		1,580,000,000
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Intercompany Item Eliminated in Consolidation	90,000,000			90,000,000
Other Non Current Assets [Member] | Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	113,519,000			113,519,000			117,772,000
Other Non Current Assets [Member] | Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	56,687,000			56,687,000			42,574,000
Total Assets [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	302,000,000			302,000,000			244,000,000
Total Assets [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	476,000,000			476,000,000			424,000,000
Total Assets [Member] | Protected Cell Of Energy Insurance Services, Inc. [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	142,000,000			142,000,000			127,000,000
Total Assets [Member] | AEP Credit, Inc. [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	896,000,000			896,000,000			911,000,000
Total Assets [Member] | AEP Texas Central Transition Funding Co [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	2,453,000,000			2,453,000,000			1,800,000,000
Total Assets [Member] | Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	476,478,000			476,478,000			424,291,000
Total Assets [Member] | Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
ASSETS
Assets	302,456,000			302,456,000			244,333,000
Current Liabilities [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	45,000,000			45,000,000			68,000,000
Current Liabilities [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	128,000,000			128,000,000			103,000,000
Current Liabilities [Member] | Protected Cell Of Energy Insurance Services, Inc. [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	50,000,000			50,000,000			40,000,000
Current Liabilities [Member] | AEP Credit, Inc. [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	850,000,000			850,000,000			864,000,000
Current Liabilities [Member] | AEP Texas Central Transition Funding Co [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	293,000,000			293,000,000			229,000,000
Current Liabilities [Member] | Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	128,466,000			128,466,000			102,946,000
Current Liabilities [Member] | Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	45,033,000			45,033,000			67,779,000
Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	257,000,000			257,000,000			176,000,000
Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	348,000,000			348,000,000			321,000,000
Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Protected Cell Of Energy Insurance Services, Inc. [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	71,000,000			71,000,000			71,000,000
Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | AEP Credit, Inc. [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	1,000,000			1,000,000			1,000,000
Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | AEP Texas Central Transition Funding Co [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	2,142,000,000			2,142,000,000			1,557,000,000
Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	348,012,000			348,012,000			321,345,000
Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] | Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	257,109,000			257,109,000			176,163,000
Equity [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	0			0			0
Equity [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	0			0			0
Equity [Member] | Protected Cell Of Energy Insurance Services, Inc. [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	21,000,000			21,000,000			16,000,000
Equity [Member] | AEP Credit, Inc. [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	45,000,000			45,000,000			46,000,000
Equity [Member] | AEP Texas Central Transition Funding Co [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	18,000,000			18,000,000			14,000,000
Equity [Member] | Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	0			0			0
Equity [Member] | Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	314,000			314,000			391,000
Total Liabilities And Equity [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	302,000,000			302,000,000			244,000,000
Total Liabilities And Equity [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	476,000,000			476,000,000			424,000,000
Total Liabilities And Equity [Member] | Protected Cell Of Energy Insurance Services, Inc. [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	142,000,000			142,000,000			127,000,000
Total Liabilities And Equity [Member] | AEP Credit, Inc. [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	896,000,000			896,000,000			911,000,000
Total Liabilities And Equity [Member] | AEP Texas Central Transition Funding Co [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	2,453,000,000			2,453,000,000			1,800,000,000
Total Liabilities And Equity [Member] | Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | DCC Fuel [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	476,478,000			476,478,000			424,291,000
Total Liabilities And Equity [Member] | Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Sabine Mining Co [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity	302,456,000			302,456,000			244,333,000
Stock Options [Member]
Weighted Average Dilutive Effect of:
Weighted Average Dilutive Effect of Shares	100,000		100,000	100,000		0
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0		$ 0
Restricted Stock Units [Member]
Weighted Average Dilutive Effect of:
Weighted Average Dilutive Effect of Shares	300,000		200,000	300,000		200,000
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0		$ 0
Utility Operations [Member]
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]
Extraordinary Loss, Net of Tax Recorded in 2005 due to Capacity Auction Disallowance			273,000,000			273,000,000
Extraordinary Gain, Net of Tax			$ 273,000,000			$ 273,000,000

[1] Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $90 million.