Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2021	Mar. 31, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ (29)	$ 229
Foreign currency translation activity:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of $0 income tax for all periods	(69)	(152)
Reclassification to earnings, net of $0 income tax for all periods	0	0
Total foreign currency translation adjustments	(69)	(152)
Derivative activity:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax	243	(448)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax	23	32
Total change in fair value of derivatives	266	(416)
Pension activity:
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, after Tax	1	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax	0	0
Total pension adjustments	1	0
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	198	(568)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	169	(339)
Less: Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable stock of subsidiaries	(151)	21
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION	$ 18	$ (318)