Debt - Subsidiary Non-recourse Debt in Default or Accelerated (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]
Debt Default Amount	$ 725aes_DebtDefaultAmount
Maritza [Member]
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]
Net Assets	560
Kavarna [Member]
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]
Net Assets	71
Covenant Violation [Member] \| Maritza [Member]
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]
Debt Default Amount	583
Covenant Violation [Member] \| Kavarna [Member]
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]
Debt Default Amount	$ 142

Amount of net assets (liabilities).

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 946

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 3

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Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

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Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 946

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-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.6-05.4)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6488278&loc=d3e604008-122996

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

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Name:	us-gaap_AssetsNet
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant