Goodwill (Details) (USD $) In Millions	6 Months Ended										6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2011 PPL Energy Supply [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 PPL Energy Supply [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 LKE [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 LKE [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 LGE [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 LGE [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 KU [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 KU [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Kentucky Regulated [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 International Regulated [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 Supply [Member]
Changes In The Carrying Amount Of Goodwill By Segment [Rollforward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 1,761		$ 86	$ 765	$ 996	$ 996	$ 389	$ 389	$ 607	$ 607	$ 662	[1]	$ 679	[1]	$ 420	[1],[2]
Goodwill recognized during the period	2,327	[3]									0		2,327	[3]	0
Effect of foreign currency exchange rates	102										0		102		0
Balance at end of period	$ 4,190		$ 86	$ 765	$ 996	$ 996	$ 389	$ 389	$ 607	$ 607	$ 662	[1]	$ 3,108	[1]	$ 420	[1]

[1] There were no accumulated impairment losses related to goodwill.

[2] Includes goodwill attributed to the Supply segment as a result of the 2010 acquisition of LKE.

[3] Recognized as a result of the 2011 acquisition of WPD Midlands. See Note 8 for additional information.