The AES Corporation (AES) 10-Q 7 May 20 2020 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Apr. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]
City Area Code	(703)
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Address, Address Line One	4300 Wilson Boulevard
Entity Tax Identification Number	54-1163725
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2020
Entity File Number	1-12291
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Shell Company	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	AES
Entity Registrant Name	THE AES CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	0000874761
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		664,907,475
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Entity Listing, Description	NYSE
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	22203
Entity Address, City or Town	Arlington,
Entity Address, State or Province	VA
Local Phone Number	522-1315
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Document Transition Report	false
Document Quarterly Report	true

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,544	$ 1,029
Restricted cash	426	336
Short-term investments	328	400
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $20 and $20, respectively	1,446	1,479
Inventory	461	487
Prepaid expenses	106	80
Other current assets, net of allowance of $2 and $0, respectively	843	802	[1]
Current held-for-sale assets	597	618
Total current assets	5,751	5,231
Property, Plant and Equipment:
Land	418	447
Electric generation, distribution assets and other	26,972	25,383
Accumulated depreciation	(8,597)	(8,505)
Construction in progress	3,777	5,249
Property, plant and equipment, net	22,570	22,574
Other Assets:
Investments in and advances to affiliates	938	966
Debt service reserves and other deposits	240	207
Goodwill	1,059	1,059
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $310 and $307, respectively	459	469
Deferred income taxes	197	156
Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent	1,300	1,351
Other noncurrent assets, net of allowance of $29 and $0, respectively	1,628	1,635	[2]
Total other assets	5,821	5,843
TOTAL ASSETS	34,142	33,648
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	1,069	1,311
Accrued interest	247	201
Accrued non-income taxes	287	253
Accrued and other liabilities	1,168	1,016
Recourse Debt Current	498	5
Non-recourse debt, including $331 and $337, respectively, related to variable interest entities	1,725	1,868
Current held-for-sale liabilities	438	442
Total current liabilities	5,432	5,096
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
Recourse debt	3,507	3,391
Non-recourse debt, including $4,074 and $3,872 respectively, related to variable interest entities	15,360	14,914
Deferred income taxes	1,105	1,213
Other noncurrent liabilities	3,148	2,917
Total noncurrent liabilities	23,120	22,435
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount	873	888
THE AES CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock ($0.01 par value, 1,200,000,000 shares authorized; 817,964,353 issued and 664,907,475 outstanding at March 31, 2020 and 817,843,916 issued and 663,952,656 outstanding at December 31, 2019)	8	8
Additional paid-in capital	7,664	7,776
Accumulated deficit	(583)	(692)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(2,692)	(2,229)
Treasury stock, at cost (153,056,878 and 153,891,260 shares at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)	(1,858)	(1,867)
Total AES Corporation stockholders’ equity	2,539	2,996
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS	2,178	2,233
Total equity	4,717	5,229
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 34,142	$ 33,648
[1]	Other current assets include the short-term portion of the Mong Duong loan receivable.
[2]	Other noncurrent assets include Argentina financing receivables.

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 20	$ 20
Other Current Assets, Allowance	2	0
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	310	307
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance	32	0
Other Noncurrent Assets, Allowance	$ 29	$ 0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,200,000,000	1,200,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	817,964,353	817,843,916
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	664,907,475	663,952,656
Treasury stock, shares (in shares)	153,056,878	153,891,260
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Non Recourse Debt Non Current	$ 15,360	$ 14,914
Non-recourse debt, including $331 and $337, respectively, related to variable interest entities	1,725	1,868
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Non Recourse Debt Non Current	4,074	3,872
Non-recourse debt, including $331 and $337, respectively, related to variable interest entities	$ 331	$ 337

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Total Revenue	$ 2,338	$ 2,650
Cost of Goods and Services Sold	(1,831)	(2,064)
Operating margin	507	586
General and administrative expenses	(38)	(46)
Interest expense	(233)	(265)
Interest income	70	79
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(1)	(10)
Other expense	(4)	(12)
Other income	45	30
Loss on disposal and sale of business interests	0	(4)
Asset impairment expense	(6)	0
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain, before Tax	24
Foreign Currency Transaction Loss, before Tax		(4)
Other non-operating expense	(44)	0
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES	320	354
Income tax expense	(89)	(115)
Net equity in losses of affiliates	(2)	(6)
NET INCOME	229	233
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable stock of subsidiaries	(85)	(79)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION	144	154
AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS:
Income from continuing operations, net of tax	144	154
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION	$ 144	$ 154
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Income from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders, net of tax	$ 0.22	$ 0.23
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	0.22	0.23
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Income from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders, net of tax	$ 0.22	$ 0.23
DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING	668	667
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$ 0.22	$ 0.23
Electric Transmission [Member]
Total Revenue	$ 712	$ 785
Cost of Goods and Services Sold	(592)	(635)
Electricity, Generation [Member]
Total Revenue	1,626	1,865
Cost of Goods and Services Sold	$ (1,239)	$ (1,429)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period	$ 0	$ 0
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation	$ 0	$ 0

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME	$ 229	$ 233
Foreign currency translation activity:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of $0 income tax for all periods	(152)	(1)
Total foreign currency translation adjustments	(152)	(1)
Derivative activity:
Change in derivative fair value, net of income tax benefit of $133 and $18, respectively	(448)	(68)
Reclassification to earnings, net of income tax expense of $8 and $2, respectively	32	10
Total change in fair value of derivatives	(416)	(58)
Pension activity:
Reclassification to earnings, net of $0 income tax for all periods	0	1
Total pension adjustments	0	1
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	(568)	(58)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	(339)	175
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable stock of subsidiaries	21	(53)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION	$ (318)	$ 122

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, income tax (expense) benefit	$ 0	$ 0
Change in derivative fair value, income tax benefit	18	133
Derivative reclassification to earnings, income tax expense	(2)	(8)
Pension, Reclassifications to Earnings, Net of Income Tax (expense) benefit	$ 0	$ 0

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 229	$ 233
Adjustments to net income:
Depreciation and amortization	268	246
Loss on disposal and sale of business interests	0	4
Impairment expenses	50	0
Deferred income taxes	2	62
Loss on extinguishment of debt	1	10
Loss (gain) on sale and disposal of assets	(42)	7
Other	8	99
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable	(40)	9
(Increase) decrease in inventory	23	(18)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets	(23)	47
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(79)	2
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other current liabilities	(99)	25
Increase (decrease) in income tax payables, net and other tax payables	36	(35)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	39	(1)
Net cash provided by operating activities	373	690
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures	(576)	(504)
Acquisitions of business interests, net of cash and restricted cash acquired	(10)	0
Proceeds from the sale of assets	15	0
Sale of short-term investments	254	150
Purchase of short-term investments	(277)	(220)
Contributions and loans to equity affiliates	(115)	(90)
Other investing	(26)	1
Net cash used in investing activities	(735)	(663)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under the revolving credit facilities	1,194	504
Repayments under the revolving credit facilities	(315)	(274)
Repayments of recourse debt	(18)	(1)
Issuance of non-recourse debt	406	866
Repayments of non-recourse debt	(92)	(428)
Payments for financing fees	(5)	(4)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(22)	(50)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests and redeemable security holders	0	10
Dividends paid on AES common stock	(95)	(90)
Payments for financed capital expenditures	(10)	(96)
Other financing	(13)	(35)
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,030	402
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(32)	(4)
Net Cash Change Of Discontinued And Held For Sale Businesses	2	(53)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect	638	372
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning	1,572	2,003
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, ending	2,210	2,375
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:
Cash payments for interest, net of amounts capitalized	163	169
Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds	52	65
SCHEDULE OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Dividends declared but not yet paid	$ 95	$ 91

Condensed Consolidated Statem_6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity Statement - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions		Total	Common Stock [Member]	Treasury Stock, Common [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]Common Stock [Member]		Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]Treasury Stock, Common [Member]		Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]		Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]Retained Earnings [Member]		Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]		Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [Member]Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2018			$ 8	$ (1,878)	$ 8,154	$ (1,005)	$ (2,071)	$ 2,396
Beginning Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2018			817.2	154.9
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income		$ 233	$ 0	$ 0	0	154	0	81
Total foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax		(1)	0	0	0	0	4	(5)
Total change in derivative fair value, net of income tax		(58)	0	0	0	0	(37)	(18)
Total pension adjustments, net of income tax		1	0	0	0	0	1	0
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS		$ (58)					(32)	(23)
Fair Value Adjustment	[1]		0	0	(6)	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			0	0	0	0	0	(40)
Dividends declared on common stock			$ 0	$ 0	(91)	0	0	0
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared		$ 0.1365
Issuance and exercise of stock-based compensation benefit plans (Shares)			0.4	(1)
Issuance and exercise of stock-based compensation benefit plans, net of income tax			$ 0	$ (11)	(17)	0	0	0
Sales to noncontrolling interests			$ 0	$ 0	(1)	0	0	1
Ending Balance (Shares) at Mar. 31, 2019			817.6	153.9
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2019			$ 8	$ (1,867)	8,039	(839)	(2,107)	2,415											$ 0	[2]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	[2]								$ 0		$ 0		$ 0		$ 12		$ (4)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent		$ (692)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent		2,996
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2019		5,229	$ 8	$ (1,867)	7,776	(692)	(2,229)	2,233
Beginning Balance (Shares) at Dec. 31, 2019			817.8	153.9
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income		229	$ 0	$ 0	0	144	0	82
Total foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax		(152)	0	0	0	0	(96)	(56)
Total change in derivative fair value, net of income tax		(416)	0	0	0	0	(366)	(25)
Total pension adjustments, net of income tax		0
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS		$ (568)					(462)	(81)
Fair Value Adjustment	[3]		0	0	(7)	0	0	0
Distributions to noncontrolling interests			0	0	0	0	0	33
Dividends declared on common stock			$ 0	$ 0	(95)	0	0	0
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared		$ 0.1433
Issuance and exercise of stock-based compensation benefit plans (Shares)			0.1	(0.8)
Issuance and exercise of stock-based compensation benefit plans, net of income tax			$ 0	$ (9)	(11)	0	0	0
Sales to noncontrolling interests			0	0	(1)	0	0	1
Acquisition of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests			$ 0	$ 0	(2)	0	1	8
Ending Balance (Shares) at Mar. 31, 2020			817.9	153.1
Ending Balance at Mar. 31, 2020		$ 4,717	$ 8	$ (1,858)	$ 7,664	$ (583)	$ (2,692)	$ 2,178											$ (16)	[4]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent		(583)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]		4
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]		39
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent		$ 2,539							$ 0	[2],[4]	$ 0	[4]	$ 0	[4]	$ (35)	[4]	$ 0	[4]
[1]	Adjustment to record the redeemable stock of Colon at fair value
[2]	See Note 1 —Financial Statement Presentation—New Accounting Pronouncements in Item 8. —Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of our 2019 Form 10-K for further information.
[3]	Adjustment to record the redeemable stock of Colon at fair value.
[4]	Includes $39 million adjustment due to ASC 326 adoption, partially offset by $4 million adjustment due to ASC 842 adoption at sPower. See Note 1 —Financial Statement Presentation—New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2020

Financial Statement Presentatio

Financial Statement Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION	FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION Consolidation — In this Quarterly Report, the terms “AES,” “the Company,” “us” or “we” refer to the consolidated entity, including its subsidiaries and affiliates. The terms “The AES Corporation” or “the Parent Company” refer only to the publicly held holding company, The AES Corporation, excluding its subsidiaries and affiliates. Furthermore, VIEs in which the Company has a variable interest have been consolidated where the Company is the primary beneficiary. Investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Interim Financial Presentation — The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, as contained in the FASB ASC, for interim financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X issued by the SEC. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual fiscal reporting periods. In the opinion of management, the interim financial information includes all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 , are not necessarily indicative of expected results for the year ending December 31, 2020 . The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the 2019 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which are included in the 2019 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020 (the “ 2019 Form 10-K”). Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash — The following table provides a summary of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash amounts reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet that reconcile to the total of such amounts as shown on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,544 $ 1,029 Restricted cash 426 336 Debt service reserves and other deposits 240 207 Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash $ 2,210 $ 1,572 New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2020 — The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that had an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Accounting pronouncements not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Standards Adopted ASU Number and Name Description Date of Adoption Effect on the financial statements upon adoption 2016-02, 2018-01, 2018-10, 2018-11, 2018-20, 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842) ASC 842 was adopted by sPower on January 1, 2020. sPower was not required to adopt ASC 842 using the public adoption date, as sPower is an equity method investee that meets the definition of a public business entity only by virtue of the inclusion of its summarized financial information in the Company’s SEC filings. January 1, 2020 The adoption of this standard resulted in a $4 million decrease to accumulated deficit attributable to the AES Corporation stockholders’ equity. 2016-13, 2018-19, 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-10, 2019-11, 2020-02, 2020-03, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments See discussion of the ASU below. January 1, 2020 See impact upon adoption of the standard below. ASC 326 — Financial Instruments — Credit Losses On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASC 326 Financial Instruments — Credit Losses and its subsequent corresponding updates (“ASC 326”). The new standard updates the impairment model for financial assets measured at amortized cost, known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans, and other instruments, entities are required to use a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that generally results in the earlier recognition of an allowance for credit losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities measure credit losses as it was done under previous GAAP, except that unrealized losses due to credit-related factors are now recognized as an allowance on the balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment to earnings in the income statement. The Company applied the modified retrospective method of adoption for ASC 326. Under this transition method, the Company applied the transition provisions starting at the date of adoption. The cumulative effect of the adoption of ASC 326 on our January 1, 2020 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was as follows (in millions): Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Balance at December 31, 2019 Adjustments Due to ASC 326 Balance at January 1, 2020 Assets Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $20 $ 1,479 $ — $ 1,479 Other current assets (1) 802 (2 ) 800 Deferred income taxes 156 9 165 Loan receivable, net of allowance of $32 1,351 (32 ) 1,319 Other noncurrent assets (2) 1,635 (30 ) 1,605 Liabilities and Equity Accumulated deficit $ (692 ) (39 ) $ (731 ) Noncontrolling interests 2,233 (16 ) 2,217 _________________________ (1) Other current assets include the short-term portion of the Mong Duong loan receivable. (2) Other noncurrent assets include Argentina financing receivables. Mong Duong — The Mong Duong II power plant in Vietnam is the primary driver of changes in credit reserves under the new standard. This plant is operated under a build, operate, and transfer (“BOT”) contract and will be transferred to the Vietnamese government after the completion of a 25-year PPA. A loan receivable was recognized in 2018 upon the adoption of ASC 606 in order to account for the future expected payments for the construction performance obligation portion of the BOT contract. As the payments for the construction performance obligation occur over a 25-year term, a significant financing element was determined to exist which is accounted for under the effective interest rate method. Historically, the Company has not incurred any losses on this arrangement, of which no directly comparable assets exist in the market. In order to determine expected credit losses under ASC 326 arising from this $1.4 billion loan receivable as of January 1, 2020, the Company considered average historical default and recovery rates on similarly rated sovereign bonds, which formed an initial basis for developing a probability of default, net of expected recoveries, to be applied as a key credit quality indicator for this arrangement. A resulting estimated loss rate of 2.4% was applied to the weighted-average remaining life of the loan receivable, after adjustments for certain asset-specific characteristics, including the Company’s status as a large foreign direct investor in Vietnam, Mong Duong’s status as critical energy infrastructure in Vietnam, and cash flows from the operations of the plant, which are under the Company’s control until the end of the BOT contract. As a result of this analysis, the Company recognized an opening CECL reserve of $34 million as an adjustment to Accumulated deficit and Noncontrolling interests as of January 1, 2020. Argentina — Exposure to CAMMESA, the administrator of the wholesale energy market in Argentina, is the driver of credit reserves in Argentina. As discussed in Note 7 of the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K, the Company has credit exposures through the FONINVEMEM Agreements, other agreements related to resolutions passed by the Argentine government in which AES Argentina will receive compensation for investments in new generation plants and technologies, as well as regular accounts receivable balances. The timing of collections depend on corresponding agreements and collectability of these receivables are assessed on an ongoing basis. Collection of the principal and interest on these receivables is subject to various business risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the continued operation of power plants which generate cash for payments of these receivables, regulatory changes that could impact the timing and amount of collections, and economic conditions in Argentina. The Company monitors these risks, including the credit ratings of the Argentine government, on a quarterly basis to assess the collectability of these receivables. Historically, the Company has not incurred any credit-related losses on these receivables. In order to determine expected credit losses under ASC 326, the Company considered historical default probabilities utilizing similarly rated sovereign bonds and historic recovery rates for Argentine government bond defaults. This information formed an initial basis for developing a probability of default, net of expected recoveries, to be applied as a key credit quality indicator across the underlying financing receivables. A resulting estimated weighted average loss rate of 41.2% was applied to the remaining balance of these receivables, after adjustments for certain asset-specific characteristics, including AES Argentina’s role in providing critical energy infrastructure to Argentina, our history of collections on these receivables, and the average term that the receivables are expected to be outstanding. As a result of this analysis, the Company recognized an opening CECL reserve of $29 million as an adjustment to Accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2020. Other financial assets — Application of ASC 326 to the Company’s $1.5 billion of trade accounts receivable and $268 million of available-for-sale debt securities did not result in any material adjustments, primarily due to the short-term duration and high turnover of these financial assets. Additionally, a large portion of our trade accounts receivables and amounts reserved for doubtful accounts under legacy GAAP arise from arrangements accounted for as an operating lease under ASC 842, which are excluded from the scope of ASC 326. As discussed in Note 7 of the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K, AES Gener recorded $33 million of noncurrent receivables pertaining to revenues recognized on regulated energy contracts that were impacted by the Stabilization Fund created by the Chilean government in October 2019. It is expected that these noncurrent receivables will be collected prior to December 31, 2027. However, given the investment grade rating of Chile and the history of zero credit losses for regulated customers, management determined that no incremental CECL reserves were required to be recognized as of January 1, 2020. The following table represents the rollforward of the allowance for credit losses from January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 (in millions): Rollforward of CECL Reserves by Portfolio Segment Reserve at January 1, 2020 Current Period Provision Write-offs charged against allowance Foreign Exchange Reserve at March 31, 2020 Accounts Receivable (1) 4 2 (1 ) — 5 Mong Duong Loan Receivable 34 — — — 34 Argentina Receivables 29 1 — (2 ) 28 Other 1 — — — 1 Total CECL Reserves $ 68 $ 3 $ (1 ) $ (2 ) $ 68 _____________________________ (1) Excludes operating lease receivable allowances and contractual dispute allowances of $16 million and $15 million as of January 1 , 2020 and March 31, 2020 , respectively. Those reserves are not in scope under ASC 326. New Accounting Pronouncements Issued But Not Yet Effective — The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements once adopted. Accounting pronouncements not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Effective ASU Number and Name Description Date of Adoption Effect on the financial statements upon adoption 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting The standard provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference to LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued by reference rate reform. This standard is effective for a limited period of time (March 12, 2020 - December 21, 2022). March 12, 2020 - December 31, 2022 The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting For Income Taxes The standard removes certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes for investments, performing intra-period allocation and calculating income taxes in interim periods. It also adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for tax goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group. Transition Method: various January 1, 2021. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.

Inventory

Inventory	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
INVENTORY	INVENTORY The following table summarizes the Company’s inventory balances as of the periods indicated (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fuel and other raw materials $ 203 $ 230 Spare parts and supplies 258 257 Total $ 461 $ 487

Asset Retirement Obligation (No

Asset Retirement Obligation (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block]	ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS The Company uses the cost approach to determine the initial value of ARO liabilities, which is estimated by discounting expected cash outflows to their present value using market-based rates at the initial recording of the liabilities. Cash outflows are based on the approximate future disposal costs as determined by market information, historical information or other management estimates. Subsequent downward revisions of ARO liabilities are discounted using the market-based rates that existed when the liability was initially recognized. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 , the Company decreased the asset retirement obligation at DPL by $23 million , resulting in a reduction to Cost of Sales

Fair Value

Fair Value	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE	FAIR VALUE The fair value of current financial assets and liabilities, debt service reserves and other deposits approximate their reported carrying amounts. The estimated fair values of the Company’s assets and liabilities have been determined using available market information. Because these amounts are estimates and based on hypothetical transactions to sell assets or transfer liabilities, the use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts. For further information on our valuation techniques and policies, see Note 5— Fair Value in Item 8.— Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of our 2019 Form 10-K. Recurring Measurements — The following table presents, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates indicated (in millions). For the Company’s investments in marketable debt securities, the security classes presented were determined based on the nature and risk of the security and are consistent with how the Company manages, monitors and measures its marketable securities: March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets DEBT SECURITIES: Available-for-sale: Certificates of deposit $ — $ 268 $ — $ 268 $ — $ 326 $ — $ 326 EQUITY SECURITIES: Mutual funds 19 49 — 68 22 61 — 83 DERIVATIVES: Interest rate derivatives — 1 — 1 — 31 — 31 Foreign currency derivatives — 25 99 124 — 17 93 110 Commodity derivatives — 59 1 60 — 28 2 30 Total derivatives — assets — 85 100 185 — 76 95 171 TOTAL ASSETS $ 19 $ 402 $ 100 $ 521 $ 22 $ 463 $ 95 $ 580 Liabilities DERIVATIVES: Interest rate derivatives $ — $ 509 $ 269 $ 778 $ — $ 144 $ 184 $ 328 Cross-currency derivatives — 30 29 59 — 10 11 21 Foreign currency derivatives — 52 — 52 — 44 — 44 Commodity derivatives — 46 1 47 — 29 2 31 Total derivatives — liabilities — 637 299 936 — 227 197 424 TOTAL LIABILITIES $ — $ 637 $ 299 $ 936 $ — $ 227 $ 197 $ 424 As of March 31, 2020 , all available-for-sale debt securities had stated maturities within one year. There were no other-than-temporary impairments of marketable securities during the three months ended March 31, 2019 , and as of January 1, 2020, credit related impairments are recognized in earnings under ASC 326. See Note 1— Financial Statement Presentation for further information. Gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined using the specific-identification method. The following table presents gross proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities during the periods indicated (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Gross proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities $ 258 $ 148 The following tables present a reconciliation of net derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (presented net by type of derivative in millions). Transfers between Level 3 and Level 2 principally result from changes in the significance of unobservable inputs used to calculate the credit valuation adjustment. Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Interest Rate Cross Currency Foreign Currency Commodity Total Balance at January 1 $ (184 ) $ (11 ) $ 94 $ (1 ) $ (102 ) Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in earnings 2 — 12 1 15 Included in other comprehensive income — derivative activity (53 ) (18 ) 7 — (64 ) Settlements 1 — (14 ) — (13 ) Transfers of assets/(liabilities), net into Level 3 (35 ) — — — (35 ) Balance at March 31 $ (269 ) $ (29 ) $ 99 $ — $ (199 ) Total gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities held at the end of the period $ — $ — $ 4 $ 1 $ 5 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Interest Rate Cross Currency Foreign Currency Commodity Total Balance at January 1 $ (140 ) $ — $ 199 $ 4 $ 63 Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in earnings — — (5 ) — (5 ) Included in other comprehensive income — derivative activity (36 ) — — — (36 ) Included in regulatory (assets) liabilities — — — (2 ) (2 ) Settlements 2 — — — 2 Transfers of assets/(liabilities), net into Level 3 (9 ) — — — (9 ) Transfers of (assets)/liabilities, net out of Level 3 1 — — — 1 Balance at March 31 $ (182 ) $ — $ 194 $ 2 $ 14 Total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities held at the end of the period $ (2 ) $ — $ (5 ) $ 2 $ (5 ) The following table summarizes the significant unobservable inputs used for Level 3 derivative assets (liabilities) as of March 31, 2020 (in millions, except range amounts): Type of Derivative Fair Value Unobservable Input Amount or Range (Weighted Average) Interest rate $ (269 ) Subsidiaries’ credit spreads 1.8% - 6.3% (6.1%) Cross-currency (29 ) Subsidiaries’ credit spreads 4.6 % Foreign currency: Argentine peso 99 Argentine peso to U.S. dollar currency exchange rate after one year 97 - 667 (338) Total $ (199 ) For interest rate derivatives and foreign currency derivatives, increases (decreases) in the estimates of the Company’s own credit spreads would decrease (increase) the value of the derivatives in a liability position. For foreign currency derivatives, increases (decreases) in the estimate of the above exchange rate would increase (decrease) the value of the derivative. Nonrecurring Measurements The Company measures fair value using the applicable fair value measurement guidance. Impairment expense is measured by comparing the fair value at the evaluation date to the then-latest available carrying amount. The following table summarizes our major categories of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy (in millions): Measurement Date Carrying Amount (1) Fair Value Pre-tax Loss Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Equity method investments: OPGC 03/31/2020 $ 195 $ — $ — $ 152 $ 43 _____________________________ (1) Represents the carrying value at the date of measurement, before fair value adjustment and excluding $115 million of cumulative translation adjustment balance. The following table summarizes the significant unobservable inputs used in the Level 3 measurement of equity method investments on a nonrecurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in millions, except range amounts): Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) Equity method investments: OPGC $ 152 Expected present value Annual dividend growth -25% to 40% (2%) Weighted-average cost of equity 12 % Financial Instruments not Measured at Fair Value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets The following table presents (in millions) the carrying amount, fair value and fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the periods indicated, but for which fair value is disclosed: March 31, 2020 Carrying Amount Fair Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Accounts receivable — noncurrent (1) $ 115 $ 178 $ — $ — $ 178 Liabilities: Non-recourse debt 17,085 17,338 — 16,157 1,181 Recourse debt 4,005 3,987 — 3,987 — December 31, 2019 Carrying Amount Fair Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Accounts receivable — noncurrent (1) $ 98 $ 145 $ — $ — $ 145 Liabilities: Non-recourse debt 16,712 16,579 — 15,804 775 Recourse debt 3,396 3,529 — 3,529 — _____________________________ (1) These amounts primarily relate to amounts due from CAMMESA, the administrator of the wholesale electricity market in Argentina, and amounts impacted by the Stabilization Fund enacted by the Chilean government, and are included in Other noncurrent assets in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value and carrying amount of these receivables exclude VAT of $11 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 .

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES For further information on the Company’s derivative and hedge accounting policies, see Note 1— General and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities of Item 8.— Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in the 2019 Form 10-K. Volume of Activity — The following tables present the Company’s maximum notional (in millions) over the remaining contractual period by type of derivative as of March 31, 2020 , regardless of whether they are in qualifying cash flow hedging relationships, and the dates through which the maturities for each type of derivative range: Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Derivatives Maximum Notional Translated to USD Latest Maturity Interest rate (LIBOR and EURIBOR) $ 6,217 2047 Cross-currency swaps (Chilean Unidad de Fomento and Chilean peso) 228 2029 Foreign Currency: Argentine peso 27 2026 Chilean peso 165 2022 Colombian peso 131 2022 Mexican Peso 196 2020 Others, primarily with weighted average remaining maturities of a year or less 84 2022 Commodity Derivatives Maximum Notional Latest Maturity Natural Gas (in MMBtu) 79 2020 Power (in MWhs) 9 2024 Coal (in Tons or Metric Tons) 10 2027 Accounting and Reporting — Assets and Liabilities — The following tables present the fair value of assets and liabilities related to the Company’s derivative instruments as of the periods indicated (in millions): Fair Value March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Assets Designated Not Designated Total Designated Not Designated Total Interest rate derivatives $ 1 $ — $ 1 $ 31 $ — $ 31 Foreign currency derivatives 37 87 124 31 79 110 Commodity derivatives — 60 60 — 30 30 Total assets $ 38 $ 147 $ 185 $ 62 $ 109 $ 171 Liabilities Interest rate derivatives $ 774 $ 4 $ 778 $ 323 $ 5 $ 328 Cross-currency derivatives 59 — 59 21 — 21 Foreign currency derivatives 34 18 52 22 22 44 Commodity derivatives 1 46 47 2 29 31 Total liabilities $ 868 $ 68 $ 936 $ 368 $ 56 $ 424 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fair Value Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Current $ 104 $ 378 $ 72 $ 126 Noncurrent 81 558 99 298 Total $ 185 $ 936 $ 171 $ 424 Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features (1) March 31, 2020 Present value of liabilities subject to collateralization $ 22 Cash collateral held by third parties or in escrow 22 _____________________________ (1) Based on the credit rating of certain subsidiaries Earnings and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) — The following table presents the pre-tax gains (losses) recognized in AOCL and earnings related to all derivative instruments for the periods indicated (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Cash flow hedges Gains (losses) recognized in AOCL Interest rate derivatives $ (487 ) $ (94 ) Equity in earnings (43 ) — Cross-currency derivatives (39 ) 5 Foreign currency derivatives (12 ) 3 Total $ (581 ) $ (86 ) Gains (losses) reclassified from AOCL into earnings Interest rate derivatives $ (15 ) $ (8 ) Cross-currency derivatives (17 ) 7 Foreign currency derivatives (8 ) (11 ) Total $ (40 ) $ (12 ) Gains (losses) recognized in earnings related to Not designated as hedging instruments: Interest rate derivatives $ — $ (2 ) Foreign currency derivatives 40 (5 ) Commodity derivatives and other 6 2 Total $ 46 $ (5 ) AOCL is expected to decrease pre-tax income from continuing operations for the twelve months ended March 31, 2021 by $116 million , primarily due to interest rate derivatives.

Financing Receivables

Financing Receivables	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]
FINANCING RECEIVABLES	FINANCING RECEIVABLES Receivables with contractual maturities of greater than one year are considered financing receivables. The following table presents financing receivables by country as of the dates indicated (in millions). As the Company applied the modified retrospective method of adoption for ASC 326 effective January 1, 2020, CECL reserves are included in the receivable balance as of March 31, 2020 . See Note 1 — Financial Statement Presentation for further information. March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Gross Receivable Allowance Net Receivable Receivable Argentina $ 61 $ 13 $ 48 $ 64 Chile 39 — $ 39 33 U.S. 17 — $ 17 — Other 9 — $ 9 12 Total $ 126 $ 13 $ 113 $ 109 Argentina — Collection of the principal and interest on these receivables is subject to various business risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the operation of power plants which generate cash for payments of these receivables, regulatory changes that could impact the timing and amount of collections, and economic conditions in Argentina. The Company monitors these risks, including the credit ratings of the Argentine government, on a quarterly basis to assess the collectability of these receivables. The Company accrues interest on these receivables once the recognition criteria have been met. The Company’s collection estimates are based on assumptions that it believes to be reasonable, but are inherently uncertain. Actual future cash flows could differ from these estimates. Chile — AES Gener has recorded noncurrent receivables pertaining to revenues recognized on regulated energy contracts that were impacted by the Stabilization Fund created by the Chilean government in October 2019. Historically, the government updated the prices for these contracts every six months to reflect the indexation the contracts have to exchange rates and commodities prices. The Stabilization Fund does not allow the pass-through of these contractual indexation updates to customers beyond the pricing in effect at July 1, 2019, until new lower-cost renewable contracts are incorporated into pricing in 2023. Consequently, costs incurred in excess of the July 1, 2019 price will be accumulated and borne by generators. It is expected that these noncurrent receivables will be collected prior to December 31, 2027. United States — In March 2020, the Company completed the sale and leaseback of land held by AES Redondo Beach, a gas-fired generating facility in California. A portion of the sale proceeds were deferred over a future period. It is expected that the noncurrent receivables will be collected by December 2021. See Note 17 — Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further information about the sale.

Investment In and Advances To A

Investment In and Advances To Affiliates	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO AFFILIATES	INVESTMENTS IN AND ADVANCES TO AFFILIATES Summarized Financial Information — The following table summarizes financial information of the Company’s 50%-or-less-owned affiliates that are accounted for using the equity method (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 50%-or-less-Owned Affiliates 2020 2019 Revenue $ 370 $ 214 Operating margin 55 11 Net loss (11 ) (21 ) OPGC — In December 2019, an other-than-temporary impairment was identified at OPGC primarily due to the estimated market value of the Company's investment and other negative developments impacting future expected cash flows at the investee. A calculation of the fair value of the Company’s investment in OPGC was required to evaluate whether there was a loss in the carrying value of the investment. Based on management’s estimate of fair value of $212 million , the Company had recognized an other-than-temporary impairment of $92 million in December 2019. In March 2020, management’s updated estimate of fair value was $152 million and the Company then recognized an additional other-than-temporary impairment of $43 million in Other non-operating expense due to the current economic slowdown. The OPGC equity method investment is reported in the Eurasia SBU reportable segment.

Debt

Debt	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
DEBT	DEBT Recourse Debt During the first quarter of 2020, the Company drew $840 million on revolving lines of credit at the Parent Company, of which approximately $250 million was used to enhance our liquidity position due to the uncertain economic conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the remaining $590 million was used for other general corporate purposes. As of March 31, 2020 , we had approximately $805 million of outstanding indebtedness on the Parent Company credit facility at a weighted average interest rate of 2.77% . Non-Recourse Debt During the three months ended March 31, 2020 , the Company’s subsidiaries had the following significant debt transactions: Subsidiary Transaction Period Issuances Southland (1) Q1 $ 112 Gener Q1 85 _____________________________ (1) Issuances relate to the June 2017 long-term non-recourse debt financing to fund the Southland repowering construction projects. Non-Recourse Debt in Default — The following table summarizes the Company’s subsidiary non-recourse debt in default (in millions) as of March 31, 2020 . Due to the defaults, these amounts are included in the current portion of non-recourse debt: Subsidiary Primary Nature of Default Debt in Default Net Assets AES Puerto Rico Covenant $ 278 $ 150 AES Ilumina (Puerto Rico) Covenant 32 64 AES Jordan Solar (1) Covenant 5 2 Total $ 315 _____________________________ (1) Classified as current held-for-sale liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The above defaults are not payment defaults. In Puerto Rico, the subsidiary non-recourse debt defaults were triggered by failure to comply with covenants or other requirements contained in the non-recourse debt documents due to the bankruptcy of the offtaker. The AES Corporation’s recourse debt agreements include cross-default clauses that will trigger if a subsidiary or group of subsidiaries for which the non-recourse debt is in default provides 20% or more of the Parent Company’s total cash distributions from businesses for the four most recently completed fiscal quarters. As of March 31, 2020 , the Company had no

Contingencies and Commitments

Contingencies and Commitments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Guarantees, Letters of Credit and Commitments — In connection with certain project financings, acquisitions and dispositions, power purchases and other agreements, the Parent Company has expressly undertaken limited obligations and commitments, most of which will only be effective or will be terminated upon the occurrence of future events. In the normal course of business, the Parent Company has entered into various agreements, mainly guarantees and letters of credit, to provide financial or performance assurance to third parties on behalf of AES businesses. These agreements are entered into primarily to support or enhance the creditworthiness otherwise achieved by a business on a stand-alone basis, thereby facilitating the availability of sufficient credit to accomplish their intended business purposes. Most of the contingent obligations relate to future performance commitments which the Company or its businesses expect to fulfill within the normal course of business. The expiration dates of these guarantees vary from less than one year to more than 15 years . The following table summarizes the Parent Company’s contingent contractual obligations as of March 31, 2020 . Amounts presented in the following table represent the Parent Company’s current undiscounted exposure to guarantees and the range of maximum undiscounted potential exposure. The maximum exposure is not reduced by the amounts, if any, that could be recovered under the recourse or collateralization provisions in the guarantees. Contingent Contractual Obligations Amount (in millions) Number of Agreements Maximum Exposure Range for Each Agreement (in millions) Guarantees and commitments $ 906 43 $0 — 157 Letters of credit under the unsecured credit facility 343 14 $1 — 296 Letters of credit under the senior secured credit facility 14 23 $0 — 4 Asset sale related indemnities (1) 12 1 $12 Total $ 1,275 81 _____________________________ (1) Excludes normal and customary representations and warranties in agreements for the sale of assets (including ownership in associated legal entities) where the associated risk is considered to be nominal. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 , the Company paid letter of credit fees ranging from 1% to 3% per annum on the outstanding amounts of letters of credit. Contingencies Environmental — The Company periodically reviews its obligations as they relate to compliance with environmental laws, including site restoration and remediation. For each of the periods ended March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , the Company recognized liabilities of $4 million for projected environmental remediation costs. Due to the uncertainties associated with environmental assessment and remediation activities, future costs of compliance or remediation could be higher or lower than the amount currently accrued. Moreover, where no liability has been recognized, it is reasonably possible that the Company may be required to incur remediation costs or make expenditures in amounts that could be material but could not be estimated as of March 31, 2020 . In aggregate, the Company estimates the range of potential losses related to environmental matters, where estimable, to be up to $13 million . The amounts considered reasonably possible do not include amounts accrued as discussed above. Litigation — The Company is involved in certain claims, suits and legal proceedings in the normal course of business. The Company accrues for litigation and claims when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. The Company has recognized aggregate liabilities for all claims of approximately $43 million and $55 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. These amounts are reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets within Accrued and other liabilities and Other noncurrent liabilities . A significant portion of these accrued liabilities relate to regulatory matters and commercial disputes in international jurisdictions. There can be no assurance that these accrued liabilities will be adequate to cover all existing and future claims or that we will have the liquidity to pay such claims as they arise. Where no accrued liability has been recognized, it is reasonably possible that some matters could be decided unfavorably to the Company and could require the Company to pay damages or make expenditures in amounts that could be material but could not be estimated as of March 31, 2020 . The material contingencies where a loss is reasonably possible primarily include disputes with offtakers, suppliers and EPC contractors; alleged breaches of contract; alleged violation of laws and regulations; income tax and non-income tax matters with tax authorities; and regulatory matters. In aggregate, the Company estimates the range of potential losses, where estimable, related to these reasonably possible material contingencies to be between $260 million and $689 million . The amounts considered reasonably possible do not include the amounts accrued, as discussed above. These material contingencies do not include income tax-related contingencies which are considered part of our uncertain tax positions.

Redeemable Stocks of Subsidiari

Redeemable Stocks of Subsidiaries (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Redeemable Stock of Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block]	REDEEMABLE STOCK OF SUBSIDIARIES The following table summarizes the Company’s redeemable stock of subsidiaries balances as of the periods indicated (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 IPALCO common stock $ 618 $ 618 Colon quotas (1) 195 210 IPL preferred stock 60 60 Total redeemable stock of subsidiaries $ 873 $ 888 _____________________________ (1) Characteristics of quotas are similar to common stock. Colon — Our partner in Colon made capital contributions of $10 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019 . No contributions were made in 2020. Any subsequent adjustments to allocate earnings and dividends to our partner, or measure the investment at fair value, will be classified as temporary equity each reporting period as it is probable that the shares will become redeemable.

Equity

Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
EQUITY	EQUITY Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss — The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL by component, net of tax and NCI, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in millions): Foreign currency translation adjustment, net Unrealized derivative gains (losses), net Unfunded pension obligations, net Total Balance at the beginning of the period $ (1,721 ) $ (470 ) $ (38 ) $ (2,229 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (96 ) (392 ) — (488 ) Amount reclassified to earnings — 26 — 26 Other comprehensive loss (96 ) (366 ) — (462 ) Reclassification from NCI due to Gener share repurchases — (1 ) — (1 ) Balance at the end of the period $ (1,817 ) $ (837 ) $ (38 ) $ (2,692 ) Reclassifications out of AOCL are presented in the following table. Amounts for the periods indicated are in millions and those in parentheses indicate debits to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations: AOCL Components Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Derivative gains (losses), net Non-regulated cost of sales $ (1 ) $ (9 ) Interest expense (16 ) (8 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (23 ) 5 Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (40 ) (12 ) Income tax expense 8 2 Income from continuing operations (32 ) (10 ) Less: Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable stock of subsidiaries 6 — Net income attributable to The AES Corporation $ (26 ) $ (10 ) Amortization of defined benefit pension actuarial loss, net Other expense $ — $ (1 ) Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates — (1 ) Income from continuing operations — (1 ) Net income — (1 ) Net income attributable to The AES Corporation $ — $ (1 ) Total reclassifications for the period, net of income tax and noncontrolling interests $ (26 ) $ (11 ) Common Stock Dividends — The Parent Company paid dividends of $0.1433 per outstanding share to its common stockholders during the first quarter of 2020 for dividends declared in December 2019. On February 21, 2020, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.1433 per share payable on May 15, 2020, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 1, 2020.

Segments

Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENTS	SEGMENTS The segment reporting structure uses the Company’s management reporting structure as its foundation to reflect how the Company manages the businesses internally and is mainly organized by geographic regions, which provides a socio-political-economic understanding of our business. The management reporting structure is organized by four SBUs led by our President and Chief Executive Officer: US and Utilities, South America, MCAC, and Eurasia SBUs. Using the accounting guidance on segment reporting, the Company determined that its four operating segments are aligned with its four reportable segments corresponding to its SBUs. Corporate and Other — Included in “Corporate and Other” are the results of the AES self-insurance company and certain equity affiliates, corporate overhead costs which are not directly associated with the operations of our four reportable segments, and certain intercompany charges such as self-insurance premiums which are fully eliminated in consolidation. The Company uses Adjusted PTC as its primary segment performance measure. Adjusted PTC, a non-GAAP measure, is defined by the Company as pre-tax income from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation excluding gains or losses of the consolidated entity due to (a) unrealized gains or losses related to derivative transactions and equity securities; (b) unrealized foreign currency gains or losses; (c) gains, losses, benefits and costs associated with dispositions and acquisitions of business interests, including early plant closures, and gains and losses recognized at commencement of sales-type leases; (d) losses due to impairments; (e) gains, losses and costs due to the early retirement of debt; and (f) costs directly associated with a major restructuring program, including, but not limited to, workforce reduction efforts, relocations, and office consolidation. Adjusted PTC also includes net equity in earnings of affiliates on an after-tax basis adjusted for the same gains or losses excluded from consolidated entities. The Company has concluded that Adjusted PTC better reflects the underlying business performance of the Company and is the most relevant measure considered in the Company’s internal evaluation of the financial performance of its segments. Additionally, given its large number of businesses and complexity, the Company concluded that Adjusted PTC is a more transparent measure that better assists investors in determining which businesses have the greatest impact on the Company’s results. Revenue and Adjusted PTC are presented before inter-segment eliminations, which includes the effect of intercompany transactions with other segments except for interest, charges for certain management fees, and the write-off of intercompany balances, as applicable. All intra-segment activity has been eliminated within the segment. Inter-segment activity has been eliminated within the total consolidated results. The following tables present financial information by segment for the periods indicated (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, Total Revenue 2020 2019 US and Utilities SBU $ 971 $ 1,019 South America SBU 712 845 MCAC SBU 432 450 Eurasia SBU 225 339 Corporate and Other 28 9 Eliminations (30 ) (12 ) Total Revenue $ 2,338 $ 2,650 Three Months Ended March 31, Total Adjusted PTC 2020 2019 Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates $ 320 $ 354 Add: Net equity in losses of affiliates (2 ) (6 ) Less: Income from continuing operations before taxes, attributable to noncontrolling interests (119 ) (109 ) Pre-tax contribution 199 239 Unrealized derivative and equity securities losses (gains) (16 ) 3 Unrealized foreign currency losses 9 11 Disposition/acquisition losses 1 9 Impairment expense 53 2 Loss on extinguishment of debt 4 8 Total Adjusted PTC $ 250 $ 272 Three Months Ended March 31, Total Adjusted PTC 2020 2019 US and Utilities SBU $ 71 $ 122 South America SBU 119 115 MCAC SBU 78 50 Eurasia SBU 44 56 Corporate and Other (58 ) (72 ) Eliminations (4 ) 1 Total Adjusted PTC $ 250 $ 272 Total Assets March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 US and Utilities SBU $ 13,547 $ 13,334 South America SBU 11,197 11,314 MCAC SBU 5,017 4,770 Eurasia SBU 3,847 3,990 Corporate and Other 534 240 Total Assets $ 34,142 $ 33,648

Revenue (Notes)

Revenue (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contracts with Customers [Abstract]
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]	REVENUE The following table presents our revenue from contracts with customers and other revenue for the periods indicated (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 US and Utilities SBU South America SBU MCAC SBU Eurasia SBU Corporate, Other and Eliminations Total Regulated Revenue Revenue from contracts with customers $ 703 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 703 Other regulated revenue 9 — — — — 9 Total regulated revenue 712 — — — — 712 Non-Regulated Revenue Revenue from contracts with customers 163 711 408 171 (2 ) 1,451 Other non-regulated revenue (1) 96 1 24 54 — 175 Total non-regulated revenue 259 712 432 225 (2 ) 1,626 Total revenue $ 971 $ 712 $ 432 $ 225 $ (2 ) $ 2,338 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 US and Utilities SBU South America SBU MCAC SBU Eurasia SBU Corporate, Other and Eliminations Total Regulated Revenue Revenue from contracts with customers $ 778 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 778 Other regulated revenue 7 — — — — 7 Total regulated revenue 785 — — — — 785 Non-Regulated Revenue Revenue from contracts with customers 173 843 429 267 — 1,712 Other non-regulated revenue (1) 61 2 21 72 (3 ) 153 Total non-regulated revenue 234 845 450 339 (3 ) 1,865 Total revenue $ 1,019 $ 845 $ 450 $ 339 $ (3 ) $ 2,650 _______________________________ (1) Other non-regulated revenue primarily includes lease and derivative revenue not accounted for under ASC 606. Contract Balances — The timing of revenue recognition, billings, and cash collections results in accounts receivable and contract liabilities. The contract liabilities from contracts with customers were $131 million and $117 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , we recognized revenue of $10 million and $3 million , respectively, that was included in the corresponding contract liability balance at the beginning of the periods. A significant financing arrangement exists for our Mong Duong plant in Vietnam. The plant was constructed under a build, operate, and transfer contract and will be transferred to the Vietnamese government after the completion of a 25 year PPA. The performance obligation to construct the facility was substantially completed in 2015. Approximately $1.4 billion of contract consideration related to the construction, but not yet collected through the 25 year PPA, was reflected as a loan receivable, net of CECL reserve of $34 million , as of March 31, 2020 . Remaining Performance Obligations — The transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations represents future consideration for unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) performance obligations at the end of the reporting period. As of March 31, 2020 , the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was $12 million

Other Income and Expense

Other Income and Expense	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block]	OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE Other income generally includes gains on insurance recoveries in excess of property damage, gains on asset sales and liability extinguishments, favorable judgments on contingencies, gains on contract terminations, allowance for funds used during construction and other income from miscellaneous transactions. Other expense generally includes losses on asset sales and dispositions, losses on legal contingencies, defined benefit plan non-service costs, and losses from other miscellaneous transactions. The components are summarized as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Other Income Gain on sale of assets (1) $ 43 $ — Gain on insurance proceeds (2) — 23 Other 2 7 Total other income $ 45 $ 30 Other Expense Loss on sale and disposal of assets $ 1 $ 5 Non-service pension and other postretirement costs — 4 Other 3 3 Total other expense $ 4 $ 12 _____________________________ (1) Primarily associated with the gain on sale of Redondo Beach land at Southland. See Note 17 —Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further information. (2) Associated with recoveries for property damage at the Andres facility in the Dominican Republic from a lightning incident in September 2018.

Income Taxes (Notes)

Income Taxes (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES The Company’s provision for income taxes is based on the estimated annual effective tax rate, plus discrete items. The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 were 28% and 32% , respectively. The difference between the Company’s effective tax rates for the 2020 and 2019 periods and the U.S. statutory tax rate of 21% related primarily to U.S. taxes on foreign earnings, foreign tax rate differentials, the impacts of foreign currency fluctuations at certain foreign subsidiaries, and nondeductible expenses. The impact of foreign currency devaluation in Mexico was approximately $19 million of discrete tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 .

Held-for-Sale and Dispositions

Held-for-Sale and Dispositions (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
DISPOSITIONS AND HELD-FOR-SALE BUSINESSES	HELD-FOR-SALE AND DISPOSITIONS Held-for-Sale Jordan — In February 2019, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its 36% ownership interest in two generation plants, IPP1 and IPP4, and a solar plant in Jordan. In December 2019, the original sales agreement expired, and in April 2020, one of the potential buyers decided to withdraw from the transaction due to the uncertain economic conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the Company continues with an active process to complete the transaction and believes the sale of the plants remains probable. The sale of IPP1, IPP4 and the solar plant is expected to close in the second half of 2020. As of March 31, 2020 , the generation plants and solar plant were classified as held-for-sale, but did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. On a consolidated basis, the carrying value of the plants held-for-sale as of March 31, 2020 was $159 million . Pre-tax income attributable to AES was immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 , respectively. Jordan is reported in the Eurasia SBU reportable segment. Dispositions Redondo Beach Land — In March 2020, the Company completed the sale of land held by AES Redondo Beach, a gas-fired generating facility in California. The land’s carrying value was $24 million , resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of $41 million , reported in Other income on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. AES Redondo Beach will lease back the land from the purchaser for the remainder of the generation facility’s useful life. Redondo Beach is reported in the US and Utilities SBU reportable segment.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic and diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock outstanding during the period. Potential common stock, for purposes of determining diluted earnings per share, includes the effects of dilutive RSUs and stock options. The effect of such potential common stock is computed using the treasury stock method. The following table is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per share computation for income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , where income represents the numerator and weighted average shares represent the denominator. Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 (in millions, except per share data) Income Shares $ per Share Income Shares $ per Share BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE Income from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders $ 144 664 $ 0.22 $ 154 663 $ 0.23 EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES Stock options — 1 — — 1 — Restricted stock units — 3 — — 3 — DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE $ 144 668 $ 0.22 $ 154 667 $ 0.23 The calculation of diluted earnings per share excluded 1 million stock awards outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , which would be anti-dilutive. These stock awards could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Gener — On April 16, 2020, the AES Gener shareholders approved a capital increase of $500 million to fund their renewable growth program. The Parent Company intends to participate with our pro rata share of approximately $335 million ; however, the timing of the capital increase has not yet been determined. Jordan — On April 19, 2020, one of the potential buyers of the Jordan plants notified the Company that they do not intend to move forward with sale negotiations due to the uncertain economic conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. See Note 17 — Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further information. Tietê — On April 19, 2020, the AES Tietê board proposed rejecting an unsolicited proposal received on March 1, 2020 to merge AES Tietê with Eneva S.A. (“Eneva”). On April 21, 2020, the Company received notice from Eneva, formally withdrawing the merger proposal.

Subsequent Events Subsequent Ev

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS Gener — On April 16, 2020, the AES Gener shareholders approved a capital increase of $500 million to fund their renewable growth program. The Parent Company intends to participate with our pro rata share of approximately $335 million ; however, the timing of the capital increase has not yet been determined. Jordan — On April 19, 2020, one of the potential buyers of the Jordan plants notified the Company that they do not intend to move forward with sale negotiations due to the uncertain economic conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. See Note 17 — Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further information. Tietê — On April 19, 2020, the AES Tietê board proposed rejecting an unsolicited proposal received on March 1, 2020 to merge AES Tietê with Eneva S.A. (“Eneva”). On April 21, 2020, the Company received notice from Eneva, formally withdrawing the merger proposal.

Risks and Uncertainties (Notes)

Risks and Uncertainties (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Unusual Risks and Uncertainties [Table Text Block]	RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES COVID-19 Pandemic — The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted global economic activity, including electricity and energy consumption, and caused significant volatility and negative pressure in financial markets. The global impact of the outbreak has been rapidly evolving and many countries, including the United States, have reacted by instituting quarantines, mandating business and school closures, and restricting travel. For the quarter ending March 31, 2020 , COVID-19 had a limited impact on the financial results and operations of the Company, as the full extent of the economic impact of the pandemic only started to materialize in the geographies in which we operate in the second half of March 2020. The magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown at this time and may have material and adverse effects on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in future periods. Goodwill — The Company considers a reporting unit at risk of impairment when its fair value does not exceed its carrying amount by more than 10%. During the annual goodwill impairment test performed as of October 1, 2019, the Company determined that the fair value of its Gener reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by 3% . Therefore, Gener's $868 million goodwill balance is considered "at risk", largely due to the Chilean Government's announcement to phase out coal generation by 2040, and a decline in long-term energy prices. Given the uncertainties in the global market caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company assessed whether current events or circumstances indicated it was more likely than not the fair value of the Gener reporting unit was reduced below its carrying amount in the first quarter of 2020. After assessing the relevant factors, the Company determined there was no triggering event requiring a reassessment of goodwill impairment as of March 31, 2020 . While the duration and severity of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic remain unknown, further deterioration in the global market could result in changes to assumptions utilized in the goodwill assessment. The Company monitors its reporting units at risk of impairment for interim impairment indicators, and believes that the estimates and assumptions used in the calculations are reasonable as of March 31, 2020 . Should the fair value of any of the Company’s reporting units fall below its carrying amount because of reduced operating performance, market declines, changes in the discount rate, regulatory changes, or other adverse conditions, goodwill impairment charges may be necessary in future periods.

Financial Statement Presentat_2

Financial Statement Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Table Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2020 — The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that had an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Accounting pronouncements not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Standards Adopted ASU Number and Name Description Date of Adoption Effect on the financial statements upon adoption 2016-02, 2018-01, 2018-10, 2018-11, 2018-20, 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842) ASC 842 was adopted by sPower on January 1, 2020. sPower was not required to adopt ASC 842 using the public adoption date, as sPower is an equity method investee that meets the definition of a public business entity only by virtue of the inclusion of its summarized financial information in the Company’s SEC filings. January 1, 2020 The adoption of this standard resulted in a $4 million decrease to accumulated deficit attributable to the AES Corporation stockholders’ equity. 2016-13, 2018-19, 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-10, 2019-11, 2020-02, 2020-03, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments See discussion of the ASU below. January 1, 2020 See impact upon adoption of the standard below. ASC 326 — Financial Instruments — Credit Losses On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASC 326 Financial Instruments — Credit Losses and its subsequent corresponding updates (“ASC 326”). The new standard updates the impairment model for financial assets measured at amortized cost, known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans, and other instruments, entities are required to use a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that generally results in the earlier recognition of an allowance for credit losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities measure credit losses as it was done under previous GAAP, except that unrealized losses due to credit-related factors are now recognized as an allowance on the balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment to earnings in the income statement. The Company applied the modified retrospective method of adoption for ASC 326. Under this transition method, the Company applied the transition provisions starting at the date of adoption. The cumulative effect of the adoption of ASC 326 on our January 1, 2020 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was as follows (in millions): Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Balance at December 31, 2019 Adjustments Due to ASC 326 Balance at January 1, 2020 Assets Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $20 $ 1,479 $ — $ 1,479 Other current assets (1) 802 (2 ) 800 Deferred income taxes 156 9 165 Loan receivable, net of allowance of $32 1,351 (32 ) 1,319 Other noncurrent assets (2) 1,635 (30 ) 1,605 Liabilities and Equity Accumulated deficit $ (692 ) (39 ) $ (731 ) Noncontrolling interests 2,233 (16 ) 2,217 _________________________ (1) Other current assets include the short-term portion of the Mong Duong loan receivable. (2) Other noncurrent assets include Argentina financing receivables. Mong Duong — The Mong Duong II power plant in Vietnam is the primary driver of changes in credit reserves under the new standard. This plant is operated under a build, operate, and transfer (“BOT”) contract and will be transferred to the Vietnamese government after the completion of a 25-year PPA. A loan receivable was recognized in 2018 upon the adoption of ASC 606 in order to account for the future expected payments for the construction performance obligation portion of the BOT contract. As the payments for the construction performance obligation occur over a 25-year term, a significant financing element was determined to exist which is accounted for under the effective interest rate method. Historically, the Company has not incurred any losses on this arrangement, of which no directly comparable assets exist in the market. In order to determine expected credit losses under ASC 326 arising from this $1.4 billion loan receivable as of January 1, 2020, the Company considered average historical default and recovery rates on similarly rated sovereign bonds, which formed an initial basis for developing a probability of default, net of expected recoveries, to be applied as a key credit quality indicator for this arrangement. A resulting estimated loss rate of 2.4% was applied to the weighted-average remaining life of the loan receivable, after adjustments for certain asset-specific characteristics, including the Company’s status as a large foreign direct investor in Vietnam, Mong Duong’s status as critical energy infrastructure in Vietnam, and cash flows from the operations of the plant, which are under the Company’s control until the end of the BOT contract. As a result of this analysis, the Company recognized an opening CECL reserve of $34 million as an adjustment to Accumulated deficit and Noncontrolling interests as of January 1, 2020. Argentina — Exposure to CAMMESA, the administrator of the wholesale energy market in Argentina, is the driver of credit reserves in Argentina. As discussed in Note 7 of the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K, the Company has credit exposures through the FONINVEMEM Agreements, other agreements related to resolutions passed by the Argentine government in which AES Argentina will receive compensation for investments in new generation plants and technologies, as well as regular accounts receivable balances. The timing of collections depend on corresponding agreements and collectability of these receivables are assessed on an ongoing basis. Collection of the principal and interest on these receivables is subject to various business risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the continued operation of power plants which generate cash for payments of these receivables, regulatory changes that could impact the timing and amount of collections, and economic conditions in Argentina. The Company monitors these risks, including the credit ratings of the Argentine government, on a quarterly basis to assess the collectability of these receivables. Historically, the Company has not incurred any credit-related losses on these receivables. In order to determine expected credit losses under ASC 326, the Company considered historical default probabilities utilizing similarly rated sovereign bonds and historic recovery rates for Argentine government bond defaults. This information formed an initial basis for developing a probability of default, net of expected recoveries, to be applied as a key credit quality indicator across the underlying financing receivables. A resulting estimated weighted average loss rate of 41.2% was applied to the remaining balance of these receivables, after adjustments for certain asset-specific characteristics, including AES Argentina’s role in providing critical energy infrastructure to Argentina, our history of collections on these receivables, and the average term that the receivables are expected to be outstanding. As a result of this analysis, the Company recognized an opening CECL reserve of $29 million as an adjustment to Accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2020. Other financial assets — Application of ASC 326 to the Company’s $1.5 billion of trade accounts receivable and $268 million of available-for-sale debt securities did not result in any material adjustments, primarily due to the short-term duration and high turnover of these financial assets. Additionally, a large portion of our trade accounts receivables and amounts reserved for doubtful accounts under legacy GAAP arise from arrangements accounted for as an operating lease under ASC 842, which are excluded from the scope of ASC 326. As discussed in Note 7 of the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K, AES Gener recorded $33 million of noncurrent receivables pertaining to revenues recognized on regulated energy contracts that were impacted by the Stabilization Fund created by the Chilean government in October 2019. It is expected that these noncurrent receivables will be collected prior to December 31, 2027. However, given the investment grade rating of Chile and the history of zero credit losses for regulated customers, management determined that no incremental CECL reserves were required to be recognized as of January 1, 2020. The following table represents the rollforward of the allowance for credit losses from January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 (in millions): Rollforward of CECL Reserves by Portfolio Segment Reserve at January 1, 2020 Current Period Provision Write-offs charged against allowance Foreign Exchange Reserve at March 31, 2020 Accounts Receivable (1) 4 2 (1 ) — 5 Mong Duong Loan Receivable 34 — — — 34 Argentina Receivables 29 1 — (2 ) 28 Other 1 — — — 1 Total CECL Reserves $ 68 $ 3 $ (1 ) $ (2 ) $ 68 _____________________________ (1) Excludes operating lease receivable allowances and contractual dispute allowances of $16 million and $15 million as of January 1 , 2020 and March 31, 2020 , respectively. Those reserves are not in scope under ASC 326.
Consolidation	Consolidation — In this Quarterly Report, the terms “AES,” “the Company,” “us” or “we” refer to the consolidated entity, including its subsidiaries and affiliates. The terms “The AES Corporation” or “the Parent Company” refer only to the publicly held holding company, The AES Corporation, excluding its subsidiaries and affiliates. Furthermore, VIEs in which the Company has a variable interest have been consolidated where the Company is the primary beneficiary. Investments in which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Interim Financial Presentation — The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, as contained in the FASB ASC, for interim financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X issued by the SEC. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for annual fiscal reporting periods. In the opinion of management, the interim financial information includes all adjustments of a normal recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 , are not necessarily indicative of expected results for the year ending December 31, 2020 . The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the 2019 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which are included in the 2019 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 27, 2020 (the “ 2019 Form 10-K”).
Commitments and Contingencies	—
Segment Reporting	The segment reporting structure uses the Company’s management reporting structure as its foundation to reflect how the Company manages the businesses internally and is mainly organized by geographic regions, which provides a socio-political-economic understanding of our business. The management reporting structure is organized by four SBUs led by our President and Chief Executive Officer: US and Utilities, South America, MCAC, and Eurasia SBUs. Using the accounting guidance on segment reporting, the Company determined that its four operating segments are aligned with its four reportable segments corresponding to its SBUs. Corporate and Other — Included in “Corporate and Other” are the results of the AES self-insurance company and certain equity affiliates, corporate overhead costs which are not directly associated with the operations of our four reportable segments, and certain intercompany charges such as self-insurance premiums which are fully eliminated in consolidation. The Company uses Adjusted PTC as its primary segment performance measure. Adjusted PTC, a non-GAAP measure, is defined by the Company as pre-tax income from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation excluding gains or losses of the consolidated entity due to (a) unrealized gains or losses related to derivative transactions and equity securities; (b) unrealized foreign currency gains or losses; (c) gains, losses, benefits and costs associated with dispositions and acquisitions of business interests, including early plant closures, and gains and losses recognized at commencement of sales-type leases; (d) losses due to impairments; (e) gains, losses and costs due to the early retirement of debt; and (f) costs directly associated with a major restructuring program, including, but not limited to, workforce reduction efforts, relocations, and office consolidation. Adjusted PTC also includes net equity in earnings of affiliates on an after-tax basis adjusted for the same gains or losses excluded from consolidated entities. The Company has concluded that Adjusted PTC better reflects the underlying business performance of the Company and is the most relevant measure considered in the Company’s internal evaluation of the financial performance of its segments. Additionally, given its large number of businesses and complexity, the Company concluded that Adjusted PTC is a more transparent measure that better assists investors in determining which businesses have the greatest impact on the Company’s results. Revenue and Adjusted PTC are presented before inter-segment eliminations, which includes the effect of intercompany transactions with other segments except for interest, charges for certain management fees, and the write-off of intercompany balances, as applicable. All intra-segment activity has been eliminated within the segment. Inter-segment activity has been eliminated within the total consolidated results.

Contingencies and Commitments C

Contingencies and Commitments Contingencies and Commitments (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block]	—

Leases (Policies)

Leases (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Early Termination [Policy Text Block]	The option to extend or terminate a lease is based on customary early termination provisions in the contract, such as payment defaults, bankruptcy, and lack of performance on energy delivery.
Separation of Lease and Nonlease Components [Policy Text Block]	Capacity payments are generally considered lease elements as they cover the majority of available output from a facility. The allocation of contract payments between the lease and non-lease elements is made at the inception of the lease.

Segments Segments (Policies)

Segments Segments (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	The segment reporting structure uses the Company’s management reporting structure as its foundation to reflect how the Company manages the businesses internally and is mainly organized by geographic regions, which provides a socio-political-economic understanding of our business. The management reporting structure is organized by four SBUs led by our President and Chief Executive Officer: US and Utilities, South America, MCAC, and Eurasia SBUs. Using the accounting guidance on segment reporting, the Company determined that its four operating segments are aligned with its four reportable segments corresponding to its SBUs. Corporate and Other — Included in “Corporate and Other” are the results of the AES self-insurance company and certain equity affiliates, corporate overhead costs which are not directly associated with the operations of our four reportable segments, and certain intercompany charges such as self-insurance premiums which are fully eliminated in consolidation. The Company uses Adjusted PTC as its primary segment performance measure. Adjusted PTC, a non-GAAP measure, is defined by the Company as pre-tax income from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation excluding gains or losses of the consolidated entity due to (a) unrealized gains or losses related to derivative transactions and equity securities; (b) unrealized foreign currency gains or losses; (c) gains, losses, benefits and costs associated with dispositions and acquisitions of business interests, including early plant closures, and gains and losses recognized at commencement of sales-type leases; (d) losses due to impairments; (e) gains, losses and costs due to the early retirement of debt; and (f) costs directly associated with a major restructuring program, including, but not limited to, workforce reduction efforts, relocations, and office consolidation. Adjusted PTC also includes net equity in earnings of affiliates on an after-tax basis adjusted for the same gains or losses excluded from consolidated entities. The Company has concluded that Adjusted PTC better reflects the underlying business performance of the Company and is the most relevant measure considered in the Company’s internal evaluation of the financial performance of its segments. Additionally, given its large number of businesses and complexity, the Company concluded that Adjusted PTC is a more transparent measure that better assists investors in determining which businesses have the greatest impact on the Company’s results. Revenue and Adjusted PTC are presented before inter-segment eliminations, which includes the effect of intercompany transactions with other segments except for interest, charges for certain management fees, and the write-off of intercompany balances, as applicable. All intra-segment activity has been eliminated within the segment. Inter-segment activity has been eliminated within the total consolidated results.

Earnings Per Share EPS Policy (

Earnings Per Share EPS Policy (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Basic and diluted earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and potential common stock outstanding during the period. Potential common stock, for purposes of determining diluted earnings per share, includes the effects of dilutive RSUs and stock options. The effect of such potential common stock is computed using the treasury stock method.

Financial Statement Presentat_3

Financial Statement Presentation New Accounting Standards (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Table Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2020 — The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that had an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Accounting pronouncements not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Standards Adopted ASU Number and Name Description Date of Adoption Effect on the financial statements upon adoption 2016-02, 2018-01, 2018-10, 2018-11, 2018-20, 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842) ASC 842 was adopted by sPower on January 1, 2020. sPower was not required to adopt ASC 842 using the public adoption date, as sPower is an equity method investee that meets the definition of a public business entity only by virtue of the inclusion of its summarized financial information in the Company’s SEC filings. January 1, 2020 The adoption of this standard resulted in a $4 million decrease to accumulated deficit attributable to the AES Corporation stockholders’ equity. 2016-13, 2018-19, 2019-04, 2019-05, 2019-10, 2019-11, 2020-02, 2020-03, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments See discussion of the ASU below. January 1, 2020 See impact upon adoption of the standard below. ASC 326 — Financial Instruments — Credit Losses On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASC 326 Financial Instruments — Credit Losses and its subsequent corresponding updates (“ASC 326”). The new standard updates the impairment model for financial assets measured at amortized cost, known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) model. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans, and other instruments, entities are required to use a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that generally results in the earlier recognition of an allowance for credit losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities measure credit losses as it was done under previous GAAP, except that unrealized losses due to credit-related factors are now recognized as an allowance on the balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment to earnings in the income statement. The Company applied the modified retrospective method of adoption for ASC 326. Under this transition method, the Company applied the transition provisions starting at the date of adoption. The cumulative effect of the adoption of ASC 326 on our January 1, 2020 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet was as follows (in millions): Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Balance at December 31, 2019 Adjustments Due to ASC 326 Balance at January 1, 2020 Assets Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $20 $ 1,479 $ — $ 1,479 Other current assets (1) 802 (2 ) 800 Deferred income taxes 156 9 165 Loan receivable, net of allowance of $32 1,351 (32 ) 1,319 Other noncurrent assets (2) 1,635 (30 ) 1,605 Liabilities and Equity Accumulated deficit $ (692 ) (39 ) $ (731 ) Noncontrolling interests 2,233 (16 ) 2,217 _________________________ (1) Other current assets include the short-term portion of the Mong Duong loan receivable. (2) Other noncurrent assets include Argentina financing receivables. Mong Duong — The Mong Duong II power plant in Vietnam is the primary driver of changes in credit reserves under the new standard. This plant is operated under a build, operate, and transfer (“BOT”) contract and will be transferred to the Vietnamese government after the completion of a 25-year PPA. A loan receivable was recognized in 2018 upon the adoption of ASC 606 in order to account for the future expected payments for the construction performance obligation portion of the BOT contract. As the payments for the construction performance obligation occur over a 25-year term, a significant financing element was determined to exist which is accounted for under the effective interest rate method. Historically, the Company has not incurred any losses on this arrangement, of which no directly comparable assets exist in the market. In order to determine expected credit losses under ASC 326 arising from this $1.4 billion loan receivable as of January 1, 2020, the Company considered average historical default and recovery rates on similarly rated sovereign bonds, which formed an initial basis for developing a probability of default, net of expected recoveries, to be applied as a key credit quality indicator for this arrangement. A resulting estimated loss rate of 2.4% was applied to the weighted-average remaining life of the loan receivable, after adjustments for certain asset-specific characteristics, including the Company’s status as a large foreign direct investor in Vietnam, Mong Duong’s status as critical energy infrastructure in Vietnam, and cash flows from the operations of the plant, which are under the Company’s control until the end of the BOT contract. As a result of this analysis, the Company recognized an opening CECL reserve of $34 million as an adjustment to Accumulated deficit and Noncontrolling interests as of January 1, 2020. Argentina — Exposure to CAMMESA, the administrator of the wholesale energy market in Argentina, is the driver of credit reserves in Argentina. As discussed in Note 7 of the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K, the Company has credit exposures through the FONINVEMEM Agreements, other agreements related to resolutions passed by the Argentine government in which AES Argentina will receive compensation for investments in new generation plants and technologies, as well as regular accounts receivable balances. The timing of collections depend on corresponding agreements and collectability of these receivables are assessed on an ongoing basis. Collection of the principal and interest on these receivables is subject to various business risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the continued operation of power plants which generate cash for payments of these receivables, regulatory changes that could impact the timing and amount of collections, and economic conditions in Argentina. The Company monitors these risks, including the credit ratings of the Argentine government, on a quarterly basis to assess the collectability of these receivables. Historically, the Company has not incurred any credit-related losses on these receivables. In order to determine expected credit losses under ASC 326, the Company considered historical default probabilities utilizing similarly rated sovereign bonds and historic recovery rates for Argentine government bond defaults. This information formed an initial basis for developing a probability of default, net of expected recoveries, to be applied as a key credit quality indicator across the underlying financing receivables. A resulting estimated weighted average loss rate of 41.2% was applied to the remaining balance of these receivables, after adjustments for certain asset-specific characteristics, including AES Argentina’s role in providing critical energy infrastructure to Argentina, our history of collections on these receivables, and the average term that the receivables are expected to be outstanding. As a result of this analysis, the Company recognized an opening CECL reserve of $29 million as an adjustment to Accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2020. Other financial assets — Application of ASC 326 to the Company’s $1.5 billion of trade accounts receivable and $268 million of available-for-sale debt securities did not result in any material adjustments, primarily due to the short-term duration and high turnover of these financial assets. Additionally, a large portion of our trade accounts receivables and amounts reserved for doubtful accounts under legacy GAAP arise from arrangements accounted for as an operating lease under ASC 842, which are excluded from the scope of ASC 326. As discussed in Note 7 of the Company’s 2019 Form 10-K, AES Gener recorded $33 million of noncurrent receivables pertaining to revenues recognized on regulated energy contracts that were impacted by the Stabilization Fund created by the Chilean government in October 2019. It is expected that these noncurrent receivables will be collected prior to December 31, 2027. However, given the investment grade rating of Chile and the history of zero credit losses for regulated customers, management determined that no incremental CECL reserves were required to be recognized as of January 1, 2020. The following table represents the rollforward of the allowance for credit losses from January 1, 2020 to March 31, 2020 (in millions): Rollforward of CECL Reserves by Portfolio Segment Reserve at January 1, 2020 Current Period Provision Write-offs charged against allowance Foreign Exchange Reserve at March 31, 2020 Accounts Receivable (1) 4 2 (1 ) — 5 Mong Duong Loan Receivable 34 — — — 34 Argentina Receivables 29 1 — (2 ) 28 Other 1 — — — 1 Total CECL Reserves $ 68 $ 3 $ (1 ) $ (2 ) $ 68 _____________________________ (1) Excludes operating lease receivable allowances and contractual dispute allowances of $16 million and $15 million as of January 1 , 2020 and March 31, 2020 , respectively. Those reserves are not in scope under ASC 326.
Schedule of Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Table Text Block]	New Accounting Pronouncements Issued But Not Yet Effective — The following table provides a brief description of recent accounting pronouncements that could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements once adopted. Accounting pronouncements not listed below were assessed and determined to be either not applicable or are expected to have no material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. New Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Effective ASU Number and Name Description Date of Adoption Effect on the financial statements upon adoption 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting The standard provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference to LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued by reference rate reform. This standard is effective for a limited period of time (March 12, 2020 - December 21, 2022). March 12, 2020 - December 31, 2022 The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting For Income Taxes The standard removes certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes for investments, performing intra-period allocation and calculating income taxes in interim periods. It also adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for tax goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group. Transition Method: various January 1, 2021. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.

Financial Statement Presentat_4

Financial Statement Presentation Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block]	Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash — The following table provides a summary of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash amounts reported on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet that reconcile to the total of such amounts as shown on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,544 $ 1,029 Restricted cash 426 336 Debt service reserves and other deposits 240 207 Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash $ 2,210 $ 1,572

Inventory (Tables)

Inventory (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Balance By Type	The following table summarizes the Company’s inventory balances as of the periods indicated (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fuel and other raw materials $ 203 $ 230 Spare parts and supplies 258 257 Total $ 461 $ 487

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]	he following table presents gross proceeds from the sale of available-for-sale securities during the periods indicated (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Gross proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities $ 258 $ 148
Fair value hierarchy for recurring measurements table	The following table presents, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of the dates indicated (in millions). For the Company’s investments in marketable debt securities, the security classes presented were determined based on the nature and risk of the security and are consistent with how the Company manages, monitors and measures its marketable securities: March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets DEBT SECURITIES: Available-for-sale: Certificates of deposit $ — $ 268 $ — $ 268 $ — $ 326 $ — $ 326 EQUITY SECURITIES: Mutual funds 19 49 — 68 22 61 — 83 DERIVATIVES: Interest rate derivatives — 1 — 1 — 31 — 31 Foreign currency derivatives — 25 99 124 — 17 93 110 Commodity derivatives — 59 1 60 — 28 2 30 Total derivatives — assets — 85 100 185 — 76 95 171 TOTAL ASSETS $ 19 $ 402 $ 100 $ 521 $ 22 $ 463 $ 95 $ 580 Liabilities DERIVATIVES: Interest rate derivatives $ — $ 509 $ 269 $ 778 $ — $ 144 $ 184 $ 328 Cross-currency derivatives — 30 29 59 — 10 11 21 Foreign currency derivatives — 52 — 52 — 44 — 44 Commodity derivatives — 46 1 47 — 29 2 31 Total derivatives — liabilities — 637 299 936 — 227 197 424 TOTAL LIABILITIES $ — $ 637 $ 299 $ 936 $ — $ 227 $ 197 $ 424
Fair Value, Net Derivative Assets (Liabilities) measured on a recurring basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Table	The following tables present a reconciliation of net derivative assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 (presented net by type of derivative in millions). Transfers between Level 3 and Level 2 principally result from changes in the significance of unobservable inputs used to calculate the credit valuation adjustment. Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Interest Rate Cross Currency Foreign Currency Commodity Total Balance at January 1 $ (184 ) $ (11 ) $ 94 $ (1 ) $ (102 ) Total realized and unrealized gains (losses): Included in earnings 2 — 12 1 15 Included in other comprehensive income — derivative activity (53 ) (18 ) 7 — (64 ) Settlements 1 — (14 ) — (13 ) Transfers of assets/(liabilities), net into Level 3 (35 ) — — — (35 ) Balance at March 31 $ (269 ) $ (29 ) $ 99 $ — $ (199 ) Total gains for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains (losses) relating to assets and liabilities held at the end of the period $ — $ — $ 4 $ 1 $ 5
Derivative Assets, Significant unobservable inputs	The following table summarizes the significant unobservable inputs used for Level 3 derivative assets (liabilities) as of March 31, 2020 (in millions, except range amounts): Type of Derivative Fair Value Unobservable Input Amount or Range (Weighted Average) Interest rate $ (269 ) Subsidiaries’ credit spreads 1.8% - 6.3% (6.1%) Cross-currency (29 ) Subsidiaries’ credit spreads 4.6 % Foreign currency: Argentine peso 99 Argentine peso to U.S. dollar currency exchange rate after one year 97 - 667 (338) Total $ (199 ) The following table summarizes the significant unobservable inputs used in the Level 3 measurement of equity method investments on a nonrecurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in millions, except range amounts): Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average) Equity method investments: OPGC $ 152 Expected present value Annual dividend growth -25% to 40% (2%) Weighted-average cost of equity 12 %
Fair value hierarchy for nonrecurring measurements table	The following table summarizes our major categories of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and their level within the fair value hierarchy (in millions): Measurement Date Carrying Amount (1) Fair Value Pre-tax Loss Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Equity method investments: OPGC 03/31/2020 $ 195 $ — $ — $ 152 $ 43 _____________________________ (1) Represents the carrying value at the date of measurement, before fair value adjustment and excluding $115 million of cumulative translation adjustment balance.
Financial instruments not measured at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets	The following table presents (in millions) the carrying amount, fair value and fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of the periods indicated, but for which fair value is disclosed: March 31, 2020 Carrying Amount Fair Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Accounts receivable — noncurrent (1) $ 115 $ 178 $ — $ — $ 178 Liabilities: Non-recourse debt 17,085 17,338 — 16,157 1,181 Recourse debt 4,005 3,987 — 3,987 — December 31, 2019 Carrying Amount Fair Value Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Accounts receivable — noncurrent (1) $ 98 $ 145 $ — $ — $ 145 Liabilities: Non-recourse debt 16,712 16,579 — 15,804 775 Recourse debt 3,396 3,529 — 3,529 — _____________________________ (1) These amounts primarily relate to amounts due from CAMMESA, the administrator of the wholesale electricity market in Argentina, and amounts impacted by the Stabilization Fund enacted by the Chilean government, and are included in Other noncurrent assets in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value and carrying amount of these receivables exclude VAT of $11 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019

Derivative Instruments and He_2

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Interest Rate And Cross Currency Derivatives By Type Table	The following tables present the Company’s maximum notional (in millions) over the remaining contractual period by type of derivative as of March 31, 2020 , regardless of whether they are in qualifying cash flow hedging relationships, and the dates through which the maturities for each type of derivative range: Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Derivatives Maximum Notional Translated to USD Latest Maturity Interest rate (LIBOR and EURIBOR) $ 6,217 2047 Cross-currency swaps (Chilean Unidad de Fomento and Chilean peso) 228 2029 Foreign Currency: Argentine peso 27 2026 Chilean peso 165 2022 Colombian peso 131 2022 Mexican Peso 196 2020 Others, primarily with weighted average remaining maturities of a year or less 84 2022 Commodity Derivatives Maximum Notional Latest Maturity Natural Gas (in MMBtu) 79 2020 Power (in MWhs) 9 2024 Coal (in Tons or Metric Tons) 10 2027
Derivative Assets Liabilities At Fair Value Net By Balance Sheet Classification And Type Table	The following tables present the fair value of assets and liabilities related to the Company’s derivative instruments as of the periods indicated (in millions): Fair Value March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Assets Designated Not Designated Total Designated Not Designated Total Interest rate derivatives $ 1 $ — $ 1 $ 31 $ — $ 31 Foreign currency derivatives 37 87 124 31 79 110 Commodity derivatives — 60 60 — 30 30 Total assets $ 38 $ 147 $ 185 $ 62 $ 109 $ 171 Liabilities Interest rate derivatives $ 774 $ 4 $ 778 $ 323 $ 5 $ 328 Cross-currency derivatives 59 — 59 21 — 21 Foreign currency derivatives 34 18 52 22 22 44 Commodity derivatives 1 46 47 2 29 31 Total liabilities $ 868 $ 68 $ 936 $ 368 $ 56 $ 424 March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Fair Value Assets Liabilities Assets Liabilities Current $ 104 $ 378 $ 72 $ 126 Noncurrent 81 558 99 298 Total $ 185 $ 936 $ 171 $ 424 Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features (1) March 31, 2020 Present value of liabilities subject to collateralization $ 22 Cash collateral held by third parties or in escrow 22
Gain Loss In Earnings On Ineffective Portion Of Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges Table	The following table presents the pre-tax gains (losses) recognized in AOCL and earnings related to all derivative instruments for the periods indicated (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Cash flow hedges Gains (losses) recognized in AOCL Interest rate derivatives $ (487 ) $ (94 ) Equity in earnings (43 ) — Cross-currency derivatives (39 ) 5 Foreign currency derivatives (12 ) 3 Total $ (581 ) $ (86 ) Gains (losses) reclassified from AOCL into earnings Interest rate derivatives $ (15 ) $ (8 ) Cross-currency derivatives (17 ) 7 Foreign currency derivatives (8 ) (11 ) Total $ (40 ) $ (12 ) Gains (losses) recognized in earnings related to Not designated as hedging instruments: Interest rate derivatives $ — $ (2 ) Foreign currency derivatives 40 (5 ) Commodity derivatives and other 6 2 Total $ 46 $ (5 )

Financing Receivables (Tables)

Financing Receivables (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Receivables [Abstract]
Financing Receivables Table	The following table presents financing receivables by country as of the dates indicated (in millions). As the Company applied the modified retrospective method of adoption for ASC 326 effective January 1, 2020, CECL reserves are included in the receivable balance as of March 31, 2020 . See Note 1 — Financial Statement Presentation for further information. March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 Gross Receivable Allowance Net Receivable Receivable Argentina $ 61 $ 13 $ 48 $ 64 Chile 39 — $ 39 33 U.S. 17 — $ 17 — Other 9 — $ 9 12 Total $ 126 $ 13 $ 113 $ 109

Investments In and Advances To

Investments In and Advances To Affiliates (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates, Schedule of Investments [Abstract]
Investments In and Advances to Affiliates Financial Information	The following table summarizes financial information of the Company’s 50%-or-less-owned affiliates that are accounted for using the equity method (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 50%-or-less-Owned Affiliates 2020 2019 Revenue $ 370 $ 214 Operating margin 55 11 Net loss (11 ) (21 )

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Non-recourse debt [Table Text Block]	During the three months ended March 31, 2020 , the Company’s subsidiaries had the following significant debt transactions: Subsidiary Transaction Period Issuances Southland (1) Q1 $ 112 Gener Q1 85
Debt In Default	— The following table summarizes the Company’s subsidiary non-recourse debt in default (in millions) as of March 31, 2020 . Due to the defaults, these amounts are included in the current portion of non-recourse debt: Subsidiary Primary Nature of Default Debt in Default Net Assets AES Puerto Rico Covenant $ 278 $ 150 AES Ilumina (Puerto Rico) Covenant 32 64 AES Jordan Solar (1) Covenant 5 2 Total $ 315 _____________________________ (1) Classified as current held-for-sale liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Contingencies and Commitments (

Contingencies and Commitments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Contingent Contractual Obligations [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Parent Company’s contingent contractual obligations as of March 31, 2020 . Amounts presented in the following table represent the Parent Company’s current undiscounted exposure to guarantees and the range of maximum undiscounted potential exposure. The maximum exposure is not reduced by the amounts, if any, that could be recovered under the recourse or collateralization provisions in the guarantees. Contingent Contractual Obligations Amount (in millions) Number of Agreements Maximum Exposure Range for Each Agreement (in millions) Guarantees and commitments $ 906 43 $0 — 157 Letters of credit under the unsecured credit facility 343 14 $1 — 296 Letters of credit under the senior secured credit facility 14 23 $0 — 4 Asset sale related indemnities (1) 12 1 $12 Total $ 1,275 81 _____________________________ (1) Excludes normal and customary representations and warranties in agreements for the sale of assets (including ownership in associated legal entities) where the associated risk is considered to be nominal.

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block]	The following table presents lease revenue from operating leases in which the Company is the lessor for the three months ended March 31, 2020 : Three Months Ended March 31, Lease Income 2020 2019 Total Lease Revenue $ 135 $ 153 Less: Variable Lease Payments 11 25 Total Non-Variable Lease Revenue $ 124 $ 128
Sales-type Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block]	The following table shows the future lease receipts as of March 31, 2020 for the remainder of 2020 through 2024 and thereafter (in millions): Future Cash Receipts for Sales-Type Leases Operating Leases 2020 $ 1 $ 381 2021 2 472 2022 2 456 2023 2 392 2024 2 393 Thereafter 39 1,420 Total $ 48 $ 3,514 Less: Imputed interest (26 ) Present value of total lease receipts $ 22

Redeemable Stocks of Subsidia_2

Redeemable Stocks of Subsidiaries (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Redeemable Stock of Subsidiaries [Abstract]
Temporary Equity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the Company’s redeemable stock of subsidiaries balances as of the periods indicated (in millions): March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 IPALCO common stock $ 618 $ 618 Colon quotas (1) 195 210 IPL preferred stock 60 60 Total redeemable stock of subsidiaries $ 873 $ 888 _____________________________ (1) Characteristics of quotas are similar to common stock.

Equity (Tables)

Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL by component, net of tax and NCI, for the three months ended March 31, 2020 (in millions): Foreign currency translation adjustment, net Unrealized derivative gains (losses), net Unfunded pension obligations, net Total Balance at the beginning of the period $ (1,721 ) $ (470 ) $ (38 ) $ (2,229 ) Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (96 ) (392 ) — (488 ) Amount reclassified to earnings — 26 — 26 Other comprehensive loss (96 ) (366 ) — (462 ) Reclassification from NCI due to Gener share repurchases — (1 ) — (1 ) Balance at the end of the period $ (1,817 ) $ (837 ) $ (38 ) $ (2,692 )
Schedule Of Amounts Reclassified Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Reclassifications out of AOCL are presented in the following table. Amounts for the periods indicated are in millions and those in parentheses indicate debits to the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations: AOCL Components Affected Line Item in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Derivative gains (losses), net Non-regulated cost of sales $ (1 ) $ (9 ) Interest expense (16 ) (8 ) Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (23 ) 5 Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates (40 ) (12 ) Income tax expense 8 2 Income from continuing operations (32 ) (10 ) Less: Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable stock of subsidiaries 6 — Net income attributable to The AES Corporation $ (26 ) $ (10 ) Amortization of defined benefit pension actuarial loss, net Other expense $ — $ (1 ) Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates — (1 ) Income from continuing operations — (1 ) Net income — (1 ) Net income attributable to The AES Corporation $ — $ (1 ) Total reclassifications for the period, net of income tax and noncontrolling interests $ (26 ) $ (11 )

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue By Segment Table	The following tables present financial information by segment for the periods indicated (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, Total Revenue 2020 2019 US and Utilities SBU $ 971 $ 1,019 South America SBU 712 845 MCAC SBU 432 450 Eurasia SBU 225 339 Corporate and Other 28 9 Eliminations (30 ) (12 ) Total Revenue $ 2,338 $ 2,650 Three Months Ended March 31, Total Adjusted PTC 2020 2019 Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates $ 320 $ 354 Add: Net equity in losses of affiliates (2 ) (6 ) Less: Income from continuing operations before taxes, attributable to noncontrolling interests (119 ) (109 ) Pre-tax contribution 199 239 Unrealized derivative and equity securities losses (gains) (16 ) 3 Unrealized foreign currency losses 9 11 Disposition/acquisition losses 1 9 Impairment expense 53 2 Loss on extinguishment of debt 4 8 Total Adjusted PTC $ 250 $ 272 Three Months Ended March 31, Total Adjusted PTC 2020 2019 US and Utilities SBU $ 71 $ 122 South America SBU 119 115 MCAC SBU 78 50 Eurasia SBU 44 56 Corporate and Other (58 ) (72 ) Eliminations (4 ) 1 Total Adjusted PTC $ 250 $ 272 Total Assets March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 US and Utilities SBU $ 13,547 $ 13,334 South America SBU 11,197 11,314 MCAC SBU 5,017 4,770 Eurasia SBU 3,847 3,990 Corporate and Other 534 240 Total Assets $ 34,142 $ 33,648

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Revenue from Contracts with Customers [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]	The following table presents our revenue from contracts with customers and other revenue for the periods indicated (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 US and Utilities SBU South America SBU MCAC SBU Eurasia SBU Corporate, Other and Eliminations Total Regulated Revenue Revenue from contracts with customers $ 703 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 703 Other regulated revenue 9 — — — — 9 Total regulated revenue 712 — — — — 712 Non-Regulated Revenue Revenue from contracts with customers 163 711 408 171 (2 ) 1,451 Other non-regulated revenue (1) 96 1 24 54 — 175 Total non-regulated revenue 259 712 432 225 (2 ) 1,626 Total revenue $ 971 $ 712 $ 432 $ 225 $ (2 ) $ 2,338 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 US and Utilities SBU South America SBU MCAC SBU Eurasia SBU Corporate, Other and Eliminations Total Regulated Revenue Revenue from contracts with customers $ 778 $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 778 Other regulated revenue 7 — — — — 7 Total regulated revenue 785 — — — — 785 Non-Regulated Revenue Revenue from contracts with customers 173 843 429 267 — 1,712 Other non-regulated revenue (1) 61 2 21 72 (3 ) 153 Total non-regulated revenue 234 845 450 339 (3 ) 1,865 Total revenue $ 1,019 $ 845 $ 450 $ 339 $ (3 ) $ 2,650

Other Income and Expense (Table

Other Income and Expense (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Schedule of other Income and other expense [Table Text Block]	Other income generally includes gains on insurance recoveries in excess of property damage, gains on asset sales and liability extinguishments, favorable judgments on contingencies, gains on contract terminations, allowance for funds used during construction and other income from miscellaneous transactions. Other expense generally includes losses on asset sales and dispositions, losses on legal contingencies, defined benefit plan non-service costs, and losses from other miscellaneous transactions. The components are summarized as follows (in millions): Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Other Income Gain on sale of assets (1) $ 43 $ — Gain on insurance proceeds (2) — 23 Other 2 7 Total other income $ 45 $ 30 Other Expense Loss on sale and disposal of assets $ 1 $ 5 Non-service pension and other postretirement costs — 4 Other 3 3 Total other expense $ 4 $ 12 _____________________________ (1) Primarily associated with the gain on sale of Redondo Beach land at Southland. See Note 17 —Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further information. (2) Associated with recoveries for property damage at the Andres facility in the Dominican Republic from a lightning incident in September 2018.

Held-for-Sale and Disposition_2

Held-for-Sale and Dispositions (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block]	Held-for-Sale Jordan — In February 2019, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its 36% ownership interest in two generation plants, IPP1 and IPP4, and a solar plant in Jordan. In December 2019, the original sales agreement expired, and in April 2020, one of the potential buyers decided to withdraw from the transaction due to the uncertain economic conditions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the Company continues with an active process to complete the transaction and believes the sale of the plants remains probable. The sale of IPP1, IPP4 and the solar plant is expected to close in the second half of 2020. As of March 31, 2020 , the generation plants and solar plant were classified as held-for-sale, but did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. On a consolidated basis, the carrying value of the plants held-for-sale as of March 31, 2020 was $159 million . Pre-tax income attributable to AES was immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2019 , respectively. Jordan is reported in the Eurasia SBU reportable segment.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Table	The following table is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of the basic and diluted earnings per share computation for income from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 , where income represents the numerator and weighted average shares represent the denominator. Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 (in millions, except per share data) Income Shares $ per Share Income Shares $ per Share BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE Income from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders $ 144 664 $ 0.22 $ 154 663 $ 0.23 EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES Stock options — 1 — — 1 — Restricted stock units — 3 — — 3 — DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE $ 144 668 $ 0.22 $ 154 667 $ 0.23

Financial Statement Presentat_5

Financial Statement Presentation New Accounting Pronouncement Adopted (Details) - USD ($)		Jan. 01, 2020		Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019		Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current		$ 20,000,000		$ 20,000,000	$ 20,000,000
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff				(1,000,000)
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current		1,479,000,000		1,446,000,000	1,479,000,000
Other current assets, net of allowance of $2 and $0, respectively		(800,000,000)	[1]	(843,000,000)	(802,000,000)	[1]
Other Assets, Noncurrent		(1,605,000,000)	[2]	(1,628,000,000)	(1,635,000,000)	[2]
Deferred Income Tax, Net		(165,000,000)		(197,000,000)	(156,000,000)
Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent		(1,319,000,000)		(1,300,000,000)	(1,351,000,000)
Loan receivable, net of allowance of $32 and $0, respectively				126,000,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss				13,000,000
TOTAL ASSETS				34,142,000,000	33,648,000,000
Accrued and other liabilities				1,168,000,000	1,016,000,000
Accumulated deficit		731,000,000		583,000,000	692,000,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss				(2,692,000,000)	(2,229,000,000)
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS		2,217,000,000		2,178,000,000	2,233,000,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY				34,142,000,000	33,648,000,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value				(1,544,000,000)	(1,029,000,000)
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current				(426,000,000)	(336,000,000)
Debt service reserves and other deposits				240,000,000	207,000,000
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents				2,210,000,000	1,572,000,000		$ 2,375,000,000	$ 2,003,000,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value				521,000,000	580,000,000
Accounts and Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss		68,000,000		68,000,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)				3,000,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation				(2,000,000)
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Premiums and Other Receivables		16,000,000		15,000,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance		32,000,000		32,000,000	0
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accumulated deficit				(4,000,000)
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current				1,500,000,000
Accumulated deficit				(39,000,000)
Accounts Receivable [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Current	[3]	4,000,000		5,000,000
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)	[3]			2,000,000
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff	[3]			(1,000,000)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation	[3]			0
Other Entity [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)				0
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff				0
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent		1,000,000		1,000,000
Mong Duong Subsidiary [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss				34,000,000
Accounts and Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss				34,000,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)				0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff				0
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Foreign Currency Translation				0
Mong Duong Subsidiary [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Loan receivable, net of allowance of $32 and $0, respectively		1,400,000,000
Accounts and Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss		$ 34,000,000
Financing Receivable, Credit Loss Rate		2.40%
AES Argentina [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)				(2,000,000)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss				28,000,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Period Increase (Decrease)				1,000,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff				0
AES Argentina [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss		$ 29,000,000
Financing Receivable, Credit Loss Rate		41.20%
Gener Subsidiary [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss				(1,000,000)
Gener Subsidiary [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Loan receivable, net of allowance of $32 and $0, respectively					$ 33,000,000
Debt Securities [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value				$ 268,000,000
Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current		$ 0
Other current assets, net of allowance of $2 and $0, respectively	[1]	(2,000,000)
Other Assets, Noncurrent	[2]	(30,000,000)
Deferred Income Tax, Net		(9,000,000)
Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent		(32,000,000)
Accumulated deficit		39,000,000
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS		$ (16,000,000)
[1]	Other current assets include the short-term portion of the Mong Duong loan receivable.
[2]	Other noncurrent assets include Argentina financing receivables.
[3]	Excludes operating lease receivable allowances and contractual dispute allowances of $16 million and $15 million as of January 1 , 2020 and March 31, 2020 , respectively. Those reserves are not in scope under ASC 326.

Inventory (Details)

Inventory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Fuel and other raw materials	$ 203	$ 230
Spare parts and supplies	258	257
Total	$ 461	$ 487

Asset Retirement Obligation (De

Asset Retirement Obligation (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligation	$ (23)

Fair Value (Recurring Measureme

Fair Value (Recurring Measurements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Asset Impairment Charges	$ 6	$ 0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	(199)		$ (102)	$ 63	$ 14
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	521		580
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	936		424
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	15	(5)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	(13)	2
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	(35)	(9)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	5	(5)
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities		(2)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3		1
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	(269)		(184)	(140)	(182)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	2	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	1	2
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	(35)	(9)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	0	(2)
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3		(1)
Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	(29)		(11)	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	18
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	0
Foreign currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	99		94	199	194
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	12	(5)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	(14)	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	4	(5)
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3		0
Commodity Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	0		(1)	$ 4	$ 2
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	1	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	1	2
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities		(2)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3		0
Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	19		22
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	0		0
Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	402		463
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	637		227
Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	100		95
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	299		197
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Mutual Fund [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	68
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Mutual Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	19
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Mutual Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	49
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Mutual Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	0
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	268		326
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	0		0
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	268		326
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	0		0
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value			83
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Equity Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value			22
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Equity Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value			61
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Equity Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value			0
Derivative [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	185		171
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	936		424
Derivative [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	778		328
Derivative [Member] | Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	59		21
Derivative [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	52		44
Derivative [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	47		31
Derivative [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	0		0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	0		0
Derivative [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	0		0
Derivative [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	0		0
Derivative [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	0		0
Derivative [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	0		0
Derivative [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	85		76
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	637		227
Derivative [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	509		144
Derivative [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	30		10
Derivative [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	52		44
Derivative [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	46		29
Derivative [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	100		95
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	299		197
Derivative [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	269		184
Derivative [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	29		11
Derivative [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	0		0
Derivative [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value	1		2
Derivative [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	1		31
Derivative [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	0		0
Derivative [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	1		31
Derivative [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	0		0
Derivative [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	124		110
Derivative [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	0		0
Derivative [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	25		17
Derivative [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	99		93
Derivative [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	60		30
Derivative [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	0		0
Derivative [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	59		28
Derivative [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value	1		$ 2
Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	64	36
Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	53	36
Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member] | Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		0
Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(7)	0
Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 0	$ 0
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring	1.80%
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring	4.60%
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring	6.30%
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring	4.60%
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring	6.10%
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring	4.60%

Fair Value Investment in Market

Fair Value Investment in Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Gain Loss On Marketable Securities
Gross proceeds from sales of AFS securities	$ 258	$ 148

Fair Value (Level 3 Reconciliat

Fair Value (Level 3 Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	$ (199)		$ (102)	$ 63	$ 14
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	15	$ (5)
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities		(2)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Purchases, Sales, Issues, Settlements [Abstract]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	(13)	2
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	(35)	(9)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3		1
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	5	(5)
Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(64)	(36)
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	(269)		(184)	(140)	(182)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	2	0
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities		0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Purchases, Sales, Issues, Settlements [Abstract]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	1	2
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	(35)	(9)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3		(1)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	0	(2)
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(53)	(36)
Foreign currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	99		94	199	194
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	12	(5)
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities		0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Purchases, Sales, Issues, Settlements [Abstract]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	(14)	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3		0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	4	(5)
Foreign currency derivatives [Member] | Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	7	0
Cross Currency [Domain]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	(29)		(11)	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(18)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Purchases, Sales, Issues, Settlements [Abstract]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	0
Cross Currency [Domain] | Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		0
Commodity Contract [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	0		$ (1)	$ 4	$ 2
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	1	0
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities		(2)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Purchases, Sales, Issues, Settlements [Abstract]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Transfers out of Level 3		0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	1	2
Commodity Contract [Member] | Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ 0	$ 0

Fair Value (Quantitative Inform

Fair Value (Quantitative Information) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	$ (199)	$ (102)	$ 63	$ 14
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	(269)	(184)	(140)	(182)
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	99	94	199	194
Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	(29)	(11)	0	0
Commodity Contract [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs	$ 0	$ (1)	$ 4	$ 2
Argentina, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs [Abstract]
Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate	0.97
Argentina, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs [Abstract]
Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate	6.67
Argentina, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs [Abstract]
Derivative, Forward Exchange Rate	3.38
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring	1.80%
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring	6.30%
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring	6.10%
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Cross currency derivatives [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring	4.60%
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Cross currency derivatives [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring	4.60%
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Cross currency derivatives [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring	4.60%

Fair Value (Nonrecurring Measur

Fair Value (Nonrecurring Measurements) (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Asset Retirement Obligation			$ 23,000,000
Other Nonoperating Expense		$ 44,000,000	0
Asset Impairment Charges		50,000,000	0
Other Asset Impairment Charges		6,000,000	$ 0
Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | OPGC [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Other Asset Impairment Charges		43,000,000
Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | OPGC [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cumulative Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease)		115,000,000
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring	[1]	195,000,000
Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | OPGC [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring		0
Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | OPGC [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring		0
Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | OPGC [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring		$ 152,000,000
Measurement Input, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate [Member] | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | OPGC [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring		2.00%
Measurement Input, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate [Member] | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Maximum [Member] | OPGC [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring		40.00%
Measurement Input, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate [Member] | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Minimum [Member] | OPGC [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring		(25.00%)
Measurement Input, Discount Rate [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | OPGC [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring		$ 0.12
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring		6.10%
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring		6.30%
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring		1.80%
[1]	Represents the carrying value at the date of measurement, before fair value adjustment and excluding $115 million of cumulative translation adjustment balance.

Fair Value (Instruments Not Mea

Fair Value (Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Carrying Amount [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Accounts receivable - noncurrent	[1]	$ 115	$ 98
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-recourse debt		17,085	16,712
Recourse debt		4,005	3,396
Fair Value [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Value added tax		11	11
Accounts receivable - noncurrent	[1]	178	145
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-recourse debt		17,338	16,579
Recourse debt		3,987	3,529
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Accounts receivable - noncurrent		0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-recourse debt		0	0
Recourse debt		0	0
Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Accounts receivable - noncurrent		0	0
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-recourse debt		16,157	15,804
Recourse debt		3,987	3,529
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Accounts receivable - noncurrent	[1]	178	145
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Non-recourse debt		1,181	775
Recourse debt		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	These amounts primarily relate to amounts due from CAMMESA, the administrator of the wholesale electricity market in Argentina, and amounts impacted by the Stabilization Fund enacted by the Chilean government, and are included in Other noncurrent assets in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair value and carrying amount of these receivables exclude VAT of $11 million as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019

Derivative Instruments and He_3

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 1 (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	$ (12,000,000)	$ 5,000,000
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities		0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	14,000,000	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(52,000,000)		$ (44,000,000)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	4,000,000	(5,000,000)
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(2,000,000)	0
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities		0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	(1,000,000)	(2,000,000)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(778,000,000)		(328,000,000)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	0	(2,000,000)
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Libor and Euribor [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Derivatives, notional amount	6,217,000,000
Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(18,000,000)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(59,000,000)		(21,000,000)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	0
Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(1,000,000)	0
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities		(2,000,000)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	0	0
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(47,000,000)		(31,000,000)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	1,000,000	2,000,000
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	(15,000,000)	5,000,000
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities		(2,000,000)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements	13,000,000	(2,000,000)
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability	(936,000,000)		$ (424,000,000)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease)	5,000,000	(5,000,000)
Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Commodity Contract Asset, Current	79,000,000
Energy [Domain]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Commodity Contract Asset, Current	9,000,000
Coal [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Commodity Contract Asset, Current	10,000,000
Unidad de Fomento (funds code) | Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Derivatives, notional amount	228,000,000
Euro EUR [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Derivatives, notional amount	196,000,000
Argentina, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Derivatives, notional amount	27,000,000
Chile, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Derivatives, notional amount	165,000,000
Colombia, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Derivatives, notional amount	131,000,000
Other unspecified currency [Domain] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Derivatives, notional amount	84,000,000
Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	7,000,000	0
Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(53,000,000)	(36,000,000)
Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member] | Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		0
Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	0	0
Other comprehensive income - Derivative activity [Member]
Derivative Tables [Line Items]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	$ (64,000,000)	$ (36,000,000)

Derivative Instruments and He_4

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 2 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	$ 936	$ 424
Derivative Liabilities, Net	22
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Assets, Gross	185	171
Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value Table [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Current	104	72
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives Fair Value Table [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Current	378	126
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Noncurrent	81	99
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Liability, Noncurrent	558	298
Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	868	368
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Assets, Gross	38	62
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	68	56
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Assets, Gross	147	109
Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	778	328
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Assets, Gross	1	31
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	774	323
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Assets, Gross	1	31
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	4	5
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Assets, Gross	0	0
Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	59	21
Cross currency derivatives [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	59	21
Cross currency derivatives [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	0	0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	52	44
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Assets, Gross	124	110
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	34	22
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Assets, Gross	37	31
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	18	22
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Assets, Gross	87	79
Commodity Contract [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	47	31
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Assets, Gross	60	30
Commodity Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	1	2
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Assets, Gross	0	0
Commodity Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]
Liabilities
Derivative Liabilities, Gross	46	29
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]
Derivative Assets, Gross	$ 60	$ 30

Derivative Instruments and He_5

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 3 (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	$ (40)	$ (12)
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables
Gain (Losses) Recognized in AOCL	(581)	(86)
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Equity Method Investments [Member]
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables
Gain (Losses) Recognized in AOCL	(43)	0
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	(8)	(11)
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables
Gain (Losses) Recognized in AOCL	(12)	3
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Cross currency derivatives [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	(17)	7
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables
Gain (Losses) Recognized in AOCL	(39)	5
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Tax Expected Increase Decrease Next Twelve Months	(116)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net	(15)	(8)
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables
Gain (Losses) Recognized in AOCL	(487)	(94)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings (not designated as hedging instruments)	46	(5)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Contract [Member]
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings (not designated as hedging instruments)	6	2
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign currency derivatives [Member]
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings (not designated as hedging instruments)	40	(5)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings (not designated as hedging instruments)	$ 0	$ (2)

Derivative Instruments and He_6

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Liability	$ 22
Derivative Liability, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash, Offset	22
Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value	$ 936	$ 424

Financing Receivables (Details)

Financing Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	$ 113	$ 109
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss	126
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	13
Argentina [Member]
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	48	64
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss	61
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	13
Chile [Member]
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	39	33
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss	39
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	0
Other Entity [Member]
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	9	12
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss	9
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	0
UNITED STATES
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing receivable	17	$ 0
Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss	17
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 0

Investments In and Advances T_2

Investments In and Advances To Affiliates (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 2,338	$ 2,650
Operating margin	507	586
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	0	(4)
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	(2)	(6)
Minority Owned Affiliates [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Revenue	370	214
Operating margin	55	11
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	(11)	$ (21)
OPGC [Member]
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments, Fair Value Disclosure	152		$ 212
Equity Method Investment OTTI	$ 43		$ 92

Debt - Recourse Debt (Details)

Debt - Recourse Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	$ (1)	$ (10)
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | LIBOR 1.75% Term Loan Due In 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	1.75%
Corporate and Other [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	$ 840
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	$ 805
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	2.77%
Corporate and Other [Member] | Liquidity [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	$ 250
Corporate and Other [Member] | Other General [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Lines of Credit	$ 590

Debt - Non-Recourse Debt Narrat

Debt - Non-Recourse Debt Narrative (Details) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt defaults at risk of causing cross default		0
Loss on extinguishment of debt		$ 1	$ 10
Proceeds From Issuance Of Nonrecourse Debt		406	$ 866
Nonrecourse Debt [Member] | AES Southland [Domain]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds From Issuance Of Nonrecourse Debt	[1]	112
Nonrecourse Debt [Member] | Gener Subsidiary [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds From Issuance Of Nonrecourse Debt		$ 85
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | LIBOR 1.75% Term Loan Due In 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		1.75%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | LIBOR 2.25% Senior Notes Due In 2029 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		2.25%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | LIBOR 4.15% Senior Notes Due In 2029 [Member] [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		4.15%
[1]	Issuances relate to the June 2017 long-term non-recourse debt financing to fund the Southland repowering construction projects.

Debt - Subsidiary Non-recourse

Debt - Subsidiary Non-recourse Debt in Default or Accelerated (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]
Materiality threshold for cash distribution from business to Parent	20.00%
Debt defaults at risk of causing cross default	0
Debt Default Amount	$ 315
Covenant Violation [Member] | PUERTO RICO
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]
Net Assets	150
Debt Default Amount	278
Covenant Violation [Member] | AES llumina [Member]
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]
Net Assets	64
Debt Default Amount	32
Covenant Violation [Member] | JORDAN
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]
Net Assets	2	[1]
Debt Default Amount	$ 5	[1]
[1]	Classified as current held-for-sale liability on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Contingencies and Commitments_2

Contingencies and Commitments (Details) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)agreement	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Guarantees Letters Of Credit [Abstract]
The range of expiration dates of guarantees made by the Parent Company		less than one year to more than 15 years
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted		$ 1,275
Number of Agreements | agreement		81
Litigation [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Loss Contingency Accrual		$ 43	$ 55
Environmental Remediation Contingency [Domain]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies		4
Guarantee Obligations [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted		$ 906
Number of Agreements		43
Indemnification Agreement [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted	[1]	$ 12
Number of Agreements		1
Minimum [Member] | Litigation [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss		$ 260
Minimum [Member] | Guarantee Obligations [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss		$ 0
Minimum [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Letter of credit fee percentage paid		1.00%
Maximum [Member] | Litigation [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss		$ 689
Maximum [Member] | Environmental Remediation Contingency [Domain]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss		13
Maximum [Member] | Guarantee Obligations [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss		157
Maximum [Member] | Indemnification Agreement [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss		$ 12
Maximum [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Letter of credit fee percentage paid		3.00%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted		$ 343
Number of Agreements		14
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss		$ 1
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss		296
Secured Debt [Member] | Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted		$ 14
Number of Agreements		23
Secured Debt [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss		$ 0
Secured Debt [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss		$ 4
[1]	Excludes normal and customary representations and warranties in agreements for the sale of assets (including ownership in associated legal entities) where the associated risk is considered to be nominal.

Contingencies and Commitments -

Contingencies and Commitments - Loss Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Environmental Remediation Contingency [Domain]
Environmental Contingencies
Liability recorded for projected environmental remediation costs	$ 4
Litigation [Member]
Litigation Contingencies
Aggregate reserves for claims deemed both probable and reasonably estimable	43	$ 55
Maximum [Member] | Environmental Remediation Contingency [Domain]
Litigation Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss ( Equal to or less than)	13
Maximum [Member] | Litigation [Member]
Litigation Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss ( Equal to or less than)	689
Minimum [Member] | Litigation [Member]
Litigation Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss ( Equal to or less than)	$ 260

Leases Lessor (Details)

Leases Lessor (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Lessor Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Lease, Lease Income	$ 135	$ 153
Variable Lease, Income	11	25
Lease Income	124	$ 128
Sales-type and Direct Financing Leases, Lease Receivable, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Sales-Type and Direct Financing Leases, Lease Receivable, to be Received, after Year Five	39
Sales-type and Direct Financing Leases, Lease Receivable, Payments to be Received	48
Sales-Type and Direct Financing Leases, Lease Receivable, to be Received, Year Five	2
Sales-Type and Direct Financing Leases, Lease Receivable, to be Received, Year Four	2
Sales-Type and Direct Financing Leases, Lease Receivable, to be Received, Year Three	2
Sales-Type and Direct Financing Leases, Lease Receivable, to be Received, Year Two	2
Sales-Type and Direct Financing Leases, Lease Receivable, to be Received, Year One	1
Sales-type and Direct Financing Leases, Lease Receivables, Gross Difference, Amount [Abstract]
Sales-type and Direct Financing Leases, Lease Receivable	22
Sales-type and Direct Financing Leases, Lease Receivable, Undiscounted Excess Amount	(26)
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year One	381
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Two	472
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Three	456
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Four	392
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Five	393
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, after Year Five	1,420
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received	3,514
Operating Lease, Risk Strategy, Residual Asset	$ 8,597		$ 8,505

Redeemable Stocks of Subsidia_3

Redeemable Stocks of Subsidiaries (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount		$ 873		$ 888
Colon [Domain]
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Temporary Equity, Other Charges		0	$ 10
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Common, Carrying Amount	[1]	195		210
IPALCO Enterprises, Inc. [Member]
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Common, Carrying Amount		618		618
IPL Subsidiary [Member]
Temporary Equity [Line Items]
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Preferred, Carrying Amount		$ 60		$ 60
[1]	Characteristics of quotas are similar to common stock.

Equity Accumulated Other Compre

Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent	$ (462)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(568)	$ (58)
Unfunded pension obligation, Net of Tax	(38)		$ (38)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, Net of Tax	(1,817)		(1,721)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(2,692)		(2,229)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(488)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	(837)		$ (470)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	26
Total foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax	(152)	(1)
Total change in derivative fair value, net of income tax	(416)	(58)
Total pension adjustments, net of income tax	0	$ 1
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(392)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	26
Total change in derivative fair value, net of income tax	(366)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0
Total pension adjustments, net of income tax	0
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax	(96)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0
Total foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax	(96)
Gener Subsidiary [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, Net of Tax	0
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	(1)
Gener Subsidiary [Member] | Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax	(1)
Gener Subsidiary [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Unfunded pension obligation, Net of Tax	$ 0

Equity Reclassifications Out of

Equity Reclassifications Out of AOCL (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Non-regulated cost of sales	$ 1,831	$ 2,064
General and Administrative Expense	(38)	(46)
Other expense	4	12
Interest expense	233	265
Loss on disposal and sale of business interests	0	(4)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES	320	354
Income tax expense	89	115
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	(2)	(6)
Net income	229	233
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION	144	154
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	26
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	(26)	(11)
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other expense	0	(1)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES	0	(1)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	0	(1)
Net income	0	(1)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Non-regulated cost of sales	(1)	(9)
Interest expense	(16)	(8)
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)	(23)	5
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES	(40)	(12)
Income tax expense	8	2
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS	(32)	(10)
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Less: Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable stock of subsidiaries	6	0
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	26
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION	(26)	(10)
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION	$ 0	$ (1)

Equity Common Stock Dividends (

Equity Common Stock Dividends (Details) - $ / shares	Feb. 21, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid		$ 0.1433
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.1433	$ 0.1433	$ 0.1365

Segments (Details)

Segments (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)segment	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	$ 2,338	$ 2,650
Number of strategic business units | segment	4
Number of reportable segments | segment	4
Adjusted PTC
Adjusted Pretax Contribution	$ 250	272
Reconciliation To Income From Continuing Operations Before Taxes
Unrealized derivative losses (gains)	16	(3)
Unrealized foreign currency transaction losses (gains)	(9)	(11)
Disposition/acquisition losses (gains)	(1)	(9)
Impairment losses	(53)	(2)
Extinguishment of debt losses (gains)	(4)	(8)
Pretax contribution	199	239
Net equity in losses of affiliates	(2)	(6)
Less: Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes, attributable to noncontrolling interests	119	109
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates	320	354
Assets
Total Assets	34,142		$ 33,648
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	(30)	(12)
Adjusted PTC
Adjusted Pretax Contribution	(4)	1
US and Utilities [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	971	1,019
Adjusted PTC
Adjusted Pretax Contribution	71	122
Assets
Total Assets	13,547		13,334
South America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	712	845
South America [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	712	845
Adjusted PTC
Adjusted Pretax Contribution	119	115
Assets
Total Assets	11,197		11,314
MCAC [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	432	450
MCAC [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	432	450
Adjusted PTC
Adjusted Pretax Contribution	78	50
Assets
Total Assets	5,017		4,770
EURASIA [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	225	339
EURASIA [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	225	339
Adjusted PTC
Adjusted Pretax Contribution	44	56
Assets
Total Assets	3,847		3,990
Corporate Other And Other Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	(2)	(3)
Corporate Other And Other Eliminations [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total Revenue	28	9
Adjusted PTC
Adjusted Pretax Contribution	(58)	$ (72)
Assets
Total Assets	$ 534		$ 240

Revenue (Details)

Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		$ 2,338	$ 2,650
Regulated Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		703	778
Other non-606 revenue		9	7
Revenue		712	785
Non-regulated revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		1,451	1,712
Other non-606 revenue	[1]	175	153
Revenue		1,626	1,865
US and Utilities [Domain]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		971	1,019
US and Utilities [Domain] | Regulated Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		703	778
Other non-606 revenue		9	7
Revenue		712	785
US and Utilities [Domain] | Non-regulated revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		163	173
Other non-606 revenue	[1]	96	61
Revenue		259	234
South America [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		712	845
South America [Member] | Regulated Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		0	0
Other non-606 revenue		0	0
Revenue		0	0
South America [Member] | Non-regulated revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		711	843
Other non-606 revenue	[1]	1	2
Revenue		712	845
MCAC [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		432	450
MCAC [Member] | Regulated Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		0	0
Other non-606 revenue		0	0
Revenue		0	0
MCAC [Member] | Non-regulated revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		408	429
Other non-606 revenue	[1]	24	21
Revenue		432	450
Eurasia - Generation [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		225	339
Eurasia - Generation [Member] | Regulated Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		0	0
Other non-606 revenue		0	0
Revenue		0	0
Eurasia - Generation [Member] | Non-regulated revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		171	267
Other non-606 revenue	[1]	54	72
Revenue		225	339
Corporate Other And Other Eliminations [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue		(2)	(3)
Corporate Other And Other Eliminations [Member] | Regulated Revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		0	0
Other non-606 revenue		0	0
Revenue		0	0
Corporate Other And Other Eliminations [Member] | Non-regulated revenue [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax		(2)	0
Other non-606 revenue	[1]	0	(3)
Revenue		$ (2)	$ (3)
[1]	Other non-regulated revenue primarily includes lease and derivative revenue not accounted for under ASC 606.

Revenue Contract Balances (Deta

Revenue Contract Balances (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 113,000,000		$ 109,000,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	13,000,000
Contract with Customer, Liability	131,000,000		$ 117,000,000
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	10,000,000	$ 3,000,000
Mong Duong Subsidiary [Member]
Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss	1,400,000,000
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	$ 34,000,000

Revenue Remaining Performance O

Revenue Remaining Performance Obligations (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020USD ($)
Remaining Performance Obligations [Abstract]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 12

Other Income and Expense - Othe

Other Income and Expense - Other Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020		Mar. 31, 2019
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income [Line Items]
Other Nonoperating Income	$ 45		$ 30
Other Income [Member]
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Other Assets	43	[1]	0
Gain on insurance proceeds (2)	0		23	[2]
Other income	2		7
Other Nonoperating Income	$ 45		$ 30
[1]	Primarily associated with the gain on sale of Redondo Beach land at Southland. See Note 17 —Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further information.
[2]	Associated with recoveries for property damage at the Andres facility in the Dominican Republic from a lightning incident in September 2018.

Other Income and Expense - Ot_2

Other Income and Expense - Other Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Schedule of other expense [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	$ 42	$ (7)
Other Nonoperating Expense	44	0
Other Expenses	4	12
Other Expense [Member]
Schedule of other expense [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	1	5
Defined Benefit Plan, Other Cost (Credit)	0	4
Other Nonoperating Expense	3	3
Other Expenses	$ 4	$ 12

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent	28.00%	32.00%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent	21.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation	$ 19

Held-for-Sale and Disposition_3

Held-for-Sale and Dispositions Dispositions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposal and sale of businesses interests		$ 0	$ 4
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets		42	$ (7)
Redondo Beach [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets		41
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Redondo Beach [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring		24
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | JORDAN
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring		$ 159
Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Ownership Interest Sold		36.00%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Capital Contribution to Project	$ 335

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2020	Mar. 31, 2019
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
Income from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders (Income)	$ 144	$ 154
Income from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders (Shares)	664	663
Income from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders (Per Share)	$ 0.22	$ 0.23
EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Options and Restrictive Stock Units	$ 0	$ 0
Stock options (Shares)	1	1
Dilutive Securities Effect On Basic EPS, dilutive Stock Options, per diluted share	$ 0	$ 0
Restricted stock units (Shares)	3	3
Dilutive Securities Effect On Basic EPS, dilutive Restricted Stock Units, per diluted share	$ 0	$ 0
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Income from continuing operations, diluted	$ 144	$ 154
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted	668	667
Income from continuing operations, per diluted share	$ 0.22	$ 0.23
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1	1

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member] $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Capital Contribution to Project	$ 335
Gener Subsidiary [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Capital Contribution to Project	$ 500

Risks and Uncertainties (Detail

Risks and Uncertainties (Details) - Gener Subsidiary [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Reporting Unit, Percentage of Fair Value in Excess of Carrying Amount		3.00%
Goodwill	$ 868

Uncategorized Items - q12020for

Label	Element	Value
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] | Retained Earnings [Member]
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent	us-gaap_StockholdersEquity	$ 4,000,000