Debt - Subsidiary Non-recourse Debt in Default or Accelerated (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2018 USD ($)
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]
Materiality threshold for cash distribution from business to Parent	20.00%
Debt defaults at risk of causing cross default	0
Debt Default Amount	$ 998
Covenant Violation [Member] | Alto Maipo [Member]
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]
Net Assets	359
Debt Default Amount	629
Covenant Violation [Member] | PUERTO RICO
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]
Net Assets	124
Debt Default Amount	334
Covenant Violation [Member] | AES llumina [Member]
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]
Net Assets	16
Debt Default Amount	$ 35