Dispositions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	5 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 Masinloc Subsidiary [Member]	Apr. 26, 2013 AES Cartagena [Member] MW	Feb. 29, 2012 AES Cartagena [Member]	Jun. 30, 2013 AES Cartagena [Member]	Jul. 31, 2013 AES Cartagena [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 AES Cartagena [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 UK Wind Projects [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 UK Wind Projects [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 UK Wind Projects [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 UK Wind Projects [Member]	Aug. 22, 2014 UK Wind Projects [Member] MW
Dispositions
generation capacity (MW)		1,199									88
Proceeds from sale of ownership interest in Cartagena		$ 24
Pre-tax gain on disposal	283			20		178	78
ownership interest sold			80.00%			80.00%					100.00%
Cartagena ownership interest prior to sale						70.81%
Acquirer's option to purchase additional ownership interest in Cartagena						20.00%
Term of buyer option to purchase Company's remaining interest					5 months
Company's continuing ownership interest extension period (beyond one year)			1 year
Proceeds from sale of ownership interest							161
Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Ownership Interest Sold			80.00%			80.00%					100.00%
Pre-tax loss of disposed businesses, Excluding gain on disposal, included in continuing operations							$ 19	$ 3	$ 18	$ 2