Equity Equity - Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The AES Corporation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Equity [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to The AES Corporation	$ 206	$ 488	$ 133	$ (58)	$ (206)	$ 71	$ 167	$ 82	$ 769	$ 114	$ (912)
Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interest:
Net increase in The AES Corporation's paid-in capital for sale of subsidiary shares	130								29	16
Increase (decrease) in The AES Corporation's paid-in capital for purchase of subsidiary shares									7	(6)
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interest									36	10
Change from net income attributable to The AES Corporation and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests									$ 805	$ 124