| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 24, 2019 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 24, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER CO INC |
| Entity File Number | 1-3525 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NY |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 13-4922640 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1 Riverside Plaza, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Columbus, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | OH |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 43215 |
| City Area Code | (614) |
| Local Phone Number | 716-1000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000004904 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| New York Stock Exchange | Common Stock, $6.50 par value | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, $6.50 par value |
| Trading Symbol | AEP |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| New York Stock Exchange | 6.125% Corporate Unit | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 6.125% Corporate Unit |
| Trading Symbol | AEP PR B |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
