Organization and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Millions	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Organization and Basis of Presentation
Unbilled revenues within restricted receivables of variable interest entities and receivables	$ 700	$ 751

Name:

duk_UnbilledRevenuesWithinRestrictedReceivablesOfVariableInterestEntitiesAndReceivables

Namespace Prefix:

duk

Data Type:

xbrli:monetaryItemType

Balance Type:

debit

Period Type:

instant