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Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
$ / shares
MW
Sep. 30, 2015
USD ($)
$ / shares
Jun. 30, 2015
USD ($)
$ / shares
Mar. 31, 2015
USD ($)
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2014
USD ($)
$ / shares
Sep. 30, 2014
USD ($)
$ / shares
Jun. 30, 2014
USD ($)
$ / shares
Mar. 31, 2014
USD ($)
$ / shares
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
plant
$ / shares
MW
shares
Dec. 31, 2014
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2013
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2012
USD ($)
Assets                        
Current Assets $ 4,072.4       $ 4,478.1       $ 4,072.4 $ 4,478.1    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 46,133.2       43,635.1 [1]       46,133.2 43,635.1 [1]    
Other Noncurrent Assets 11,477.5       11,431.4       11,477.5 11,431.4    
TOTAL ASSETS 61,683.1       59,544.6       61,683.1 59,544.6 $ 56,321.0  
Liabilities and Equity                        
Long-term Debt 19,572.7       18,512.4 [2],[3]       19,572.7 18,512.4 [2],[3]    
Other Current Liabilities 1,305.1       1,204.7       1,305.1 1,204.7    
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent 890.6       895.8       890.6 895.8    
Equity 17,904.9       16,824.5       17,904.9 16,824.5 16,085.6 $ 15,237.5
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 61,683.1       59,544.6       61,683.1 59,544.6    
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders                        
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest $ 205.2 $ 511.8 $ 431.4 $ 620.2 $ 159.6 $ 484.2 $ 388.4 $ 558.3 1,768.6 1,590.5 1,473.9  
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests                 5.2 4.2 3.7  
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent                 $ 1,763.4 $ 1,586.3 $ 1,470.2  
Weighted Average Number of Basic AEP Common Shares Outstanding | shares                 490,340,522 488,592,997 486,619,555  
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO AEP COMMON SHAREHOLDERS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS | $ / shares $ 0.41 [4] $ 1.04 [4] $ 0.88 [4] $ 1.27 [4] $ 0.32 $ 0.99 $ 0.79 $ 1.14 $ 3.59 $ 3.24 $ 3.02  
Weighted Average Dilutive Effect of:                        
Weighted Average Number of Diluted AEP Common Shares Outstanding | shares                 490,574,568 488,899,840 487,040,956  
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE ATTRIBUTABLE TO AEP COMMON SHAREHOLDERS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS | $ / shares $ 0.41 [4] $ 1.04 [4] $ 0.88 [4] $ 1.27 [4] $ 0.32 $ 0.99 $ 0.79 $ 1.14 $ 3.59 $ 3.24 $ 3.02  
Supplemental Income Statement Elements [Abstract]                        
Depreciation and Amortization of Property, Plant and Equipment                 $ 1,674.3 $ 1,573.7 $ 1,441.4  
Amortization of Certain Securitized Assets                 318.9 310.4 248.2  
Amortization of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities                 16.5 13.5 22.9  
Utilities Operating Expense, Depreciation and Amortization                 2,009.7 1,897.6 1,712.5  
Cash Paid (Received) for:                        
Interest Paid, Net                 857.2 838.5 882.1  
Income Taxes Paid, Net                 120.2 117.3 (54.8)  
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:                        
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred                 150.2 135.1 181.6  
Construction Expenditures Included in Current Liabilities as of December 31,                 741.4 559.3 492.4  
Construction Expenditures Included in Noncurrent Liabilities as of December 31,                 51.6 0.0 0.0  
Construction Expenditures Included in Noncurrent Assets as of December 31,                 10.5 0.0 0.0  
Acquisition of Nuclear Fuel Included in Current Liabilities as of December 31,                 37.9 44.5 0.0  
Expected Reimbursement For Spent Nuclear Fuel Dry Cask Storage                 2.2 3.4 4.4  
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]                        
Issuance of Long-term Debt                 3,436.6 2,067.0 3,206.6  
Repayments of Long-term Debt                 $ 2,397.9 $ 1,777.4 $ 2,595.4  
Antidilutive Shares Outstanding | shares                 0 0 0  
Aggregate Power Participation Ratio 43.47%               43.47%      
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation [Member]                        
AEP Consolidated Revenues - Other Revenues:                        
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation - Barging and Other Transportation Services (43.47% Owned) [5]                 $ 0.1 $ 24.0 $ 20.9  
AEP Consolidated Expenses - Purchased Electricity for Resale:                        
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (43.47% Owned)                 $ 241.7 268.5 289.2  
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]                        
AEP's Ownership in OVEC 43.47%               43.47%      
AEP's Investment in OVEC $ 4.4               $ 4.4      
Supplemental Agreement During the Period Between Parties to Interconnection Agreement and OVEC                 241.7 268.5 289.2  
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation [Member] | Environmental Project [Member]                        
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]                        
Capital Expenditures Authorized 1,300.0               $ 1,300.0      
Pension Plans [Member] | Equity [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 25.00%      
Pension Plans [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 59.00%      
Pension Plans [Member] | Other Investments [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 15.00%      
Pension Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 1.00%      
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Equity [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 65.00%      
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 33.00%      
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 2.00%      
Appalachian Power Co [Member]                        
Assets                        
Current Assets 627.9       $ 678.5       $ 627.9 678.5    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 9,424.4       9,181.7       9,424.4 9,181.7    
Other Noncurrent Assets 1,596.0       1,350.6       1,596.0 1,350.6    
TOTAL ASSETS 11,648.3       11,210.8       11,648.3 11,210.8    
Liabilities and Equity                        
Long-term Debt 3,930.7       3,958.7       3,930.7 3,958.7    
Other Current Liabilities 153.4       145.0       153.4 145.0    
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent 57.7       54.2       57.7 54.2    
Equity 3,475.0       3,366.9       3,475.0 3,366.9 3,229.4 3,052.6
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 11,648.3       11,210.8       11,648.3 11,210.8    
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders                        
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.0 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.0        
Supplemental Income Statement Elements [Abstract]                        
Depreciation and Amortization of Property, Plant and Equipment                 385.6 383.3 334.2  
Amortization of Certain Securitized Assets                 0.0 0.0 0.0  
Amortization of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities                 3.2 17.6 8.4  
Utilities Operating Expense, Depreciation and Amortization                 388.8 400.9 342.6  
Cash Paid (Received) for:                        
Interest Paid, Net                 196.7 196.7 184.6  
Income Taxes Paid, Net                 30.4 15.9 (27.8)  
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:                        
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred                 31.8 4.9 4.4  
Construction Expenditures Included in Current Liabilities as of December 31,                 90.4 72.0 50.8  
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]                        
Issuance of Long-term Debt                 726.3 394.2 444.4  
Repayments of Long-term Debt                 $ 672.6 612.7 345.0  
Aggregate Power Participation Ratio 43.47%               43.47%      
Appalachian Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Equity [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 25.00%      
Appalachian Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 59.00%      
Appalachian Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Other Investments [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 15.00%      
Appalachian Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 1.00%      
Appalachian Power Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Equity [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 65.00%      
Appalachian Power Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 33.00%      
Appalachian Power Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 2.00%      
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member]                        
Assets                        
Current Assets $ 455.3       476.5       $ 455.3 476.5    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 5,203.5       5,416.4       5,203.5 5,416.4    
Other Noncurrent Assets 3,051.6       2,764.6       3,051.6 2,764.6    
TOTAL ASSETS 8,710.4       8,657.5       8,710.4 8,657.5    
Liabilities and Equity                        
Long-term Debt 2,000.0       2,019.6       2,000.0 2,019.6    
Other Current Liabilities 142.1       150.6       142.1 150.6    
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent 119.4       162.2       119.4 162.2    
Equity 2,036.4       1,954.0       2,036.4 1,954.0 1,922.2 1,803.8
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 8,710.4       8,657.5       8,710.4 8,657.5    
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders                        
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest $ 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0        
AEP Consolidated Revenues - Other Revenues:                        
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation - Barging and Other Transportation Services (43.47% Owned)                 78.8 94.4 122.3  
Supplemental Income Statement Elements [Abstract]                        
Depreciation and Amortization of Property, Plant and Equipment                 193.5 199.3 175.8  
Amortization of Certain Securitized Assets                 0.0 0.0 0.0  
Amortization of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities                 4.9 0.9 1.9  
Utilities Operating Expense, Depreciation and Amortization                 198.4 200.2 177.7  
Cash Paid (Received) for:                        
Interest Paid, Net                 84.5 81.6 90.1  
Income Taxes Paid, Net                 21.2 (10.2) (31.3)  
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:                        
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred                 3.0 16.4 114.1  
Construction Expenditures Included in Current Liabilities as of December 31,                 95.8 66.1 85.4  
Acquisition of Nuclear Fuel Included in Current Liabilities as of December 31,                 37.9 44.5 0.0  
Expected Reimbursement For Spent Nuclear Fuel Dry Cask Storage                 2.2 3.4 4.4  
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]                        
Issuance of Long-term Debt                 310.7 205.6 348.9  
Repayments of Long-term Debt                 $ 332.1 218.5 370.3  
Aggregate Power Participation Ratio 43.47%               43.47%      
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member]                        
Liabilities and Equity                        
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent $ 21.5       26.2       $ 21.5 26.2    
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Equity [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 25.00%      
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 59.00%      
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Other Investments [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 15.00%      
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 1.00%      
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]                        
Liabilities and Equity                        
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent 0.0       0.0       $ 0.0 0.0    
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Equity [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 65.00%      
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 33.00%      
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 2.00%      
Ohio Power Co [Member]                        
Assets                        
Current Assets 573.2       736.8       $ 573.2 736.8    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 5,054.7       4,763.6       5,054.7 4,763.6    
Other Noncurrent Assets 1,510.0       1,760.2       1,510.0 1,760.2    
TOTAL ASSETS 7,137.9       7,260.6       7,137.9 7,260.6    
Liabilities and Equity                        
Long-term Debt 2,157.7       2,286.8       2,157.7 2,286.8    
Other Current Liabilities 154.3       179.1       154.3 179.1    
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent 30.7       25.5       30.7 25.5    
Equity 1,986.6       1,980.2       1,986.6 1,980.2 1,625.3 4,525.7
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 7,137.9       7,260.6       7,137.9 7,260.6    
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders                        
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0        
AEP Consolidated Revenues - Other Revenues:                        
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation - Barging and Other Transportation Services (43.47% Owned)                 0.0 0.0 18.1  
Supplemental Income Statement Elements [Abstract]                        
Depreciation and Amortization of Property, Plant and Equipment                 184.4 188.3 358.0  
Amortization of Certain Securitized Assets                 43.3 43.5 20.0  
Amortization of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities                 (10.2) (18.1) 4.6  
Utilities Operating Expense, Depreciation and Amortization                 217.5 213.7 382.6  
Cash Paid (Received) for:                        
Interest Paid, Net                 121.6 132.4 195.7  
Income Taxes Paid, Net                 26.1 44.0 93.3  
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:                        
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred                 2.7 4.8 7.7  
Construction Expenditures Included in Current Liabilities as of December 31,                 34.3 43.4 92.3  
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]                        
Issuance of Long-term Debt                 0.0 0.0 1,378.3  
Notes Receivable - Affiliated $ 32.3       32.3       32.3 32.3    
Repayments of Long-term Debt                 $ 131.5 438.6 1,196.0  
Aggregate Power Participation Ratio 43.47%               43.47%      
Ohio Power Co [Member] | Ohio Valley Electric Corporation [Member]                        
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]                        
AEP's Ownership in OVEC 4.30%               4.30%      
AEP's Investment in OVEC $ 0.4               $ 0.4      
Ohio Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Equity [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 25.00%      
Ohio Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 59.00%      
Ohio Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Other Investments [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 15.00%      
Ohio Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 1.00%      
Ohio Power Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Equity [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 65.00%      
Ohio Power Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 33.00%      
Ohio Power Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 2.00%      
Public Service Co Of Oklahoma [Member]                        
Assets                        
Current Assets 245.4       191.7       $ 245.4 191.7    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 3,693.2       3,440.6       3,693.2 3,440.6    
Other Noncurrent Assets 231.8       176.9       231.8 176.9    
TOTAL ASSETS 4,170.4       3,809.2       4,170.4 3,809.2    
Liabilities and Equity                        
Long-term Debt 1,286.1       1,036.7       1,286.1 1,036.7    
Other Current Liabilities 64.4       58.9       64.4 58.9    
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent 13.7       13.6       13.7 13.6    
Equity 1,119.9       1,028.2       1,119.9 1,028.2 942.1 916.2
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 4,170.4       3,809.2       4,170.4 3,809.2    
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders                        
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0        
Supplemental Income Statement Elements [Abstract]                        
Depreciation and Amortization of Property, Plant and Equipment                 108.6 99.7 94.6  
Amortization of Certain Securitized Assets                 0.0 0.0 0.0  
Amortization of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities                 8.9 1.3 1.1  
Utilities Operating Expense, Depreciation and Amortization                 117.5 101.0 95.7  
Cash Paid (Received) for:                        
Interest Paid, Net                 54.8 52.8 51.4  
Income Taxes Paid, Net                 7.9 (21.2) 8.7  
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:                        
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred                 3.6 2.3 5.8  
Construction Expenditures Included in Current Liabilities as of December 31,                 47.4 38.6 63.6  
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]                        
Issuance of Long-term Debt                 248.8 75.0 49.7  
Repayments of Long-term Debt                 $ 0.4 34.1 0.4  
Public Service Co Of Oklahoma [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Equity [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 25.00%      
Public Service Co Of Oklahoma [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 59.00%      
Public Service Co Of Oklahoma [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Other Investments [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 15.00%      
Public Service Co Of Oklahoma [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 1.00%      
Public Service Co Of Oklahoma [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Equity [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 65.00%      
Public Service Co Of Oklahoma [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 33.00%      
Public Service Co Of Oklahoma [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 2.00%      
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member]                        
Assets                        
Current Assets 335.3       429.2       $ 335.3 429.2    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 6,321.1       5,907.3       6,321.1 5,907.3    
Other Noncurrent Assets 491.6       472.3       491.6 472.3    
TOTAL ASSETS 7,148.0       6,808.8       7,148.0 6,808.8    
Liabilities and Equity                        
Long-term Debt 2,273.5       2,132.4       2,273.5 2,132.4    
Other Current Liabilities 110.7       104.5       110.7 104.5    
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent 49.3       47.3       49.3 47.3    
Equity 2,169.7       2,097.2       2,169.7 2,097.2 2,055.9 $ 2,021.5
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 7,148.0       6,808.8       7,148.0 6,808.8    
Amounts Attributable to AEP Common Shareholders                        
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.0 $ 0.0        
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests                 3.7 4.2 4.0  
Supplemental Income Statement Elements [Abstract]                        
Depreciation and Amortization of Property, Plant and Equipment                 190.7 183.2 177.3  
Amortization of Certain Securitized Assets                 0.0 0.0 0.0  
Amortization of Regulatory Assets and Liabilities                 1.3 1.9 1.9  
Utilities Operating Expense, Depreciation and Amortization                 192.0 185.1 179.2  
Cash Paid (Received) for:                        
Interest Paid, Net                 112.6 116.9 120.4  
Income Taxes Paid, Net                 15.4 (152.2) (35.4)  
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:                        
Capital Lease Obligations Incurred                 7.4 4.1 9.4  
Construction Expenditures Included in Current Liabilities as of December 31,                 92.9 94.3 63.2  
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]                        
Issuance of Long-term Debt                 445.9 99.4 0.0  
Repayments of Long-term Debt                 $ 306.8 $ 3.3 $ 3.3  
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Equity [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 25.00%      
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 59.00%      
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Other Investments [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 15.00%      
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Pension Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 1.00%      
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Equity [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 65.00%      
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Fixed Income [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 33.00%      
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]                        
Target Asset Allocations                        
Target Asset Allocation                 2.00%      
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation [Member]                        
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]                        
Approximate OVEC Generating Capacity (In MWs) | MW 2,400               2,400      
Number of OVEC Generating Plants | plant                 2      
Number of Plants Operating with Environmental Controls | plant                 2      
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation [Member] | Environmental Project [Member]                        
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Textuals) [Abstract]                        
Capital Expenditures Authorized $ 1,300.0               $ 1,300.0      
Restricted Stock Units [Member]                        
Weighted Average Dilutive Effect of:                        
Weighted Average Dilutive Effect of Shares | shares                 300,000 300,000 400,000  
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share | $ / shares                 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0  
[1] Amount excludes $482 million of Property, Plant and Equipment - Net classified as Assets from Discontinued Operations on the balance sheet. See “AEPRO (Corporate and Other)” section of Note 7 for additional information.
[2] Amount excludes $83 million of Long-term Debt classified as Liabilities from Discontinued Operations on the balance sheet. See "AEPRO (Corporate and Other)" section of Note 7 for additional information.
[3] Amount excludes $83 million of Long-term Debt classified as Liabilities from Discontinued Operations on the balance sheet. See “AEPRO (Corporate and Other)” section of Note 7 for additional information.
[4] Quarterly Earnings per Share amounts are intended to be stand-alone calculations and are not always additive to full-year amount due to rounding.
[5] AEP did not ship coal to OVEC in 2015.