Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of Parent (Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,642	$ 1,900	$ 1,624	$ 2,360
Restricted cash	597	734
Deferred income taxes	166	199
Total current assets	7,739	8,465
Investments in and advances to affiliates	1,010	1,196	1,422
Electric generation, distribution assets and other	30,596	30,278
Accumulated depreciation	(9,604)	(9,145)
Property, plant and equipment, net	25,112	24,635
Deferred income taxes	666	940
Other Assets	2,170	2,188
Total other assets	7,560	8,730
TOTAL ASSETS	40,411	41,830	45,346
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	2,259	2,545
Accrued and other liabilities	2,114	2,347
Total current liabilities	7,653	8,319
Other long-term liabilities	3,299	3,523
Total noncurrent liabilities	25,029	25,919
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	8	8
Additional paid-in capital	8,443	8,525
Accumulated deficit	(150)	(264)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,882)	(2,920)
Treasury stock	(1,089)	(780)
Total AES Corporation stockholders’ equity	4,330	4,569
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	40,411	41,830
Parent Company
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	131	305	189	594
Restricted cash	177	227
Accounts and notes receivable from subsidiaries	708	594
Deferred income taxes	4	8
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	39	28
Total current assets	1,059	1,162
Investments in and advances to affiliates	9,245	9,393
Electric generation, distribution assets and other	78	86
Accumulated depreciation	(65)	(72)
Property, plant and equipment, net	13	14
Deferred financing costs (net of accumulated amortization of $71 and $58, respectively)	75	76
Deferred income taxes	857	573
Other Assets	1	0
Total other assets	933	649
TOTAL ASSETS	11,250	11,218
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	15	15
Accounts and notes payable to subsidiaries	49	50
Accrued and other liabilities	216	241
Senior notes payable—current portion	118	11
Total current liabilities	398	317
Senior notes payable	5,034	5,434
Junior subordinated notes and debentures payable	517	517
Accounts and notes payable to subsidiaries	859	242
Other long-term liabilities	112	139
Total noncurrent liabilities	6,522	6,332
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock	8	8
Additional paid-in capital	8,443	8,525
Accumulated deficit	(150)	(264)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,882)	(2,920)
Treasury stock	(1,089)	(780)
Total AES Corporation stockholders’ equity	4,330	4,569
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 11,250	$ 11,218