Subsequent Event Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions			2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		66 Months Ended	68 Months Ended
	Feb. 15, 2016	Jan. 27, 2016	Feb. 23, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 23, 2016	Feb. 11, 2015
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired				39.7		145.6
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method				$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,800
Stock Repurchase Program, Authorized Amount				2,100		$ 2,100
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share						$ 12.31
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount				$ 343		$ 343
AES US Investment, Inc.
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Investment In Affiliate Ownership Percentage Sold								15.00%
Subsequent Event
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired			8.7				154.3
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method			$ 79				$ 1,900
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share							$ 12.12
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Authorized Repurchase Amount			264				$ 264
Extinguishment of Debt, Amount			$ 125
IPP4 [Member] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Subsequent Event
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction	36.00%
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses	$ 21
Kelanitissa [Member] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Subsequent Event
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses		$ 18