Equity Transactions with Noncontrolling Interests (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Transfers To Noncontrolling Interests Table [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to The AES Corporation	$ 71	$ (1,568)	$ 320	$ (1,087)
Net increase in The AES Corporation's paid-in capital for sale of subsidiary shares			83	0
Increase (decrease) in The AES Corporation's paid-in capital for purchase of subsidiary shares			(7)	(8)
Chile [Member]
Transfers To Noncontrolling Interests Table [Line Items]
Number Of Projects Under Development	2		2
Alto Maipo And Cochrane [Member]
Transfers To Noncontrolling Interests Table [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in The AES Corporation's paid-in capital for purchase of subsidiary shares			(12)
Parent [Member]
Transfers To Noncontrolling Interests Table [Line Items]
Net income (loss) attributable to The AES Corporation			320	(1,087)
Net increase in The AES Corporation's paid-in capital for sale of subsidiary shares			12	0
Increase (decrease) in The AES Corporation's paid-in capital for purchase of subsidiary shares			(6)	3
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interest			6	3
Change from net income attributable to The AES Corporation and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests			$ 326	$ (1,084)