Equity Equity - Net Income (Loss) Attributable to The AES Corporation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Net income (loss) attributable to The AES Corporation	$ (78)	$ 210	$ 17	$ 154	$ 128	$ 101	$ 290	$ 684	$ 303	$ 1,203	$ (1,161)
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:
Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interest									(5)	(3)	253
Change from net income (loss) attributable to The AES Corporation and transfers (to) from noncontrolling interests									298	1,200	(908)
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:
Increase (decrease) in The AES Corporation's paid-in capital for sale of subsidiary shares									(5)	(3)	13
Increase (decrease) in The AES Corporation's paid-in-capital for purchase of subsidiary shares									0	0	240
Retained Earnings [Member]
Transfers from the noncontrolling interest:
Increase (decrease) in The AES Corporation's paid-in capital for sale of subsidiary shares									$ 0	$ 0	0
Increase (decrease) in The AES Corporation's paid-in-capital for purchase of subsidiary shares											$ 0