Risks And Uncertainties (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012 integer	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Risks And Uncertainties Details [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,970	$ 1,695	$ 2,506	$ 1,745
Percent Of Revenue Generated Outside US	79.00%
Number of countries in which AES operates	28
Percent Of Revenue From Discontinued Operations Generated Outside US	38.00%
Number Of Single Customers That Accounted For Ten Percent Or More Of Total Revenue	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation.

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+ Details