Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Equity Tables [Abstract]

Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

	December 31,
	2011		2010
	(in millions)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	$	1,967	$	1,824
Unrealized derivative losses, net		534		344
Unfunded pension obligations		257		216
Unrealized (gain) loss on securities available for sale		-		(1)
Total	$	2,758	$	2,383

Schedule Of Net Income Attributable To Parent And Transfers To From Noncontrolling Interests [Text Block]

			December 31,
			2011		2010
			(in millions)
Net income attributable to The AES Corporation			$	58	$	9
	Transfers (to) from the noncontrolling interests:
		Net increase in The AES Corporation's paid-in capital for sale of subsidiary shares		19		-
		Decrease in The AES Corporation's paid-in capital for purchase of subsidiary shares		-		(25)
	Net transfers (to) from noncontrolling interest			19		(25)
Change from net income attributable to The AES Corporation and transfers (to) from
	noncontrolling interests		$	77	$	(16)