Risks and Uncertainties (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
EP Preferred shares with preference to exercise withdrawal rights	3	3
Debt Default Amount	$ 1,024	$ 1,024
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring	622	622
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	1,164	1,164	$ 621
Accounts Receivable, Net	63	63
Accounts Receivable, Past Due	$ 30	$ 30
EP Preferred shares percentage with preference to exercise withdrawal rights	2.70%	2.70%
PUERTO RICO | Covenant Violation [Member]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Debt Default Amount	$ 365	$ 365
Alto Maipo [Member] | Covenant Violation [Member]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Debt Default Amount	623	623
AES llumina [Member] | Covenant Violation [Member]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Debt Default Amount	36	$ 36
AES llumina [Member]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Loss from Catastrophes	$ 6
Gener Subsidiary [Member]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Investment In Affiliate Ownership Percentage	67.00%	67.00%
Alto Maipo [Member]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Projected Costs	22.00%	22.00%
Investment In Affiliate Ownership Percentage	62.00%	62.00%
Derivative Liabililty, Amount in Technical Default	$ 139	$ 139
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring	1,400	1,400
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	60	60
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures	360	360
Other Commitment	$ 55	55
Project Budgeted Cost		$ 2,000