Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013
Cartagena [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event, Description	Cartagena―On April 26, 2013, the Company’s remaining 20% interest held in AES Cartagena was sold upon the exercise of the purchase option by the buyer. See Note 16―Dispositions for further information.
Ukraine Utilities [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event, Description	Ukraine Utilities Sale―The sale transaction of Ukraine utilities was closed on April 29, 2013. See Note 15—Discontinued Operations and Held for Sale Businesses for further information.
Dividend Declared [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event, Description	Dividend―On April 18, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend of $0.04 per outstanding share payable on May 15, 2013 to the shareholders of record at the close of business on May 1, 2013.
Issuance of Debt [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Non-recourse Debt Issued	500
Subsequent Event, Description	Recourse Debt―On April 30, 2013, the Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% senior notes due 2023 (the “Notes”). In connection with this offering, the Company has commenced the tender offers (the “Tender Offers”) to purchase for cash up to $800 million aggregate principal amount of four series of our outstanding senior notes, including any and all of our outstanding 7.75% senior notes due 2014 (the “2014 Notes”), of which $500 million are currently outstanding; up to $100 million of our outstanding 7.75% senior notes due 2015 (the “2015 Notes”), of which $500 million are currently outstanding; up to $100 million of our outstanding 9.75% senior notes due 2016 (the “2016 Notes”), of which $535 million are currently outstanding; and up to $100 million of our outstanding 8.00% senior notes due 2017 (the “2017 Notes” and, together with the 2014 Notes, the 2015 Notes and the 2016 Notes, the “Outstanding Notes”), of which $1,500 million are currently outstanding. We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, as well as, if necessary, other available funds, to fund the Tender Offers and to pay certain related fees and expenses. If any net proceeds from this offering remain after completion of the Tender Offers, we intend to use such proceeds for general corporate purposes.