AES CORP, 10-Q filed on 11/6/2018
Quarterly Report
v3.10.0.1
Document And Entity Information - $ / shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2018  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2018  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3  
Trading Symbol AES  
Entity Registrant Name AES CORP  
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 662,297,479  
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share $ 0.01 $ 0.01
v3.10.0.1
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
CURRENT ASSETS    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,187 $ 949
Restricted cash 441 274
Short-term investments 401 424
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $16 and $10, respectively 1,510 1,463
Inventory 562 562
Prepaid expenses 97 62
Other current assets 706 630
Current held-for-sale assets 111 2,034
Total current assets 5,015 6,398
Property, Plant and Equipment:    
Land 470 502
Electric generation, distribution assets and other 25,055 24,119
Accumulated depreciation (8,033) (7,942)
Construction in progress 3,616 3,617
Property, plant and equipment, net 21,108 20,296
Other Assets:    
Investments in and advances to affiliates 1,277 1,197
Debt service reserves and other deposits 494 565
Goodwill 1,059 1,059
Other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $472 and $441, respectively 400 366
Deferred income taxes 88 130
Service concession assets, net of accumulated amortization of $0 and $206, respectively 0 1,360
Loan receivable 1,441 0
Other noncurrent assets 1,607 1,741
Total other assets 6,366 6,418
TOTAL ASSETS 32,489 33,112
CURRENT LIABILITIES    
Accounts payable 1,299 1,371
Accrued interest 272 228
Accrued and other liabilities 1,151 1,232
Non-recourse debt, includes $368 and $1,012, respectively, related to variable interest entities 1,308 2,164
Current held-for-sale liabilities 17 1,033
Total current liabilities 4,047 6,028
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES    
Recourse debt 3,815 4,625
Non-recourse debt, includes $2,832 and $1,358, respectively, related to variable interest entities 14,273 13,176
Deferred income taxes 1,214 1,006
Other noncurrent liabilities 2,552 2,595
Total noncurrent liabilities 21,854 21,402
Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 879 837
THE AES CORPORATION STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
Common stock ($0.01 par value, 1,200,000,000 shares authorized; 817,203,691 issued and 662,297,479 outstanding at September 30, 2018 and 816,312,913 issued and 660,388,128 outstanding at December 31, 2017) 8 8
Additional paid-in capital 8,328 8,501
Accumulated deficit (1,133) (2,276)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,020) (1,876)
Treasury stock, at cost (154,906,212 and 155,924,785 shares at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively) (1,878) (1,892)
Total AES Corporation stockholders’ equity 3,305 2,465
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS 2,404 2,380
Total equity 5,709 4,845
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 32,489 $ 33,112
v3.10.0.1
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Accounts receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts $ 16 $ 10
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization 472 441
Service Concession Asset, Accumulated Depreciation $ 0 $ 206
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) 817,203,691 816,312,913
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 662,297,479 660,388,128
Treasury stock, shares (in shares) 154,906,212 155,924,785
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Non-recourse debt - current, balance at variable interest entities $ 1,308 $ 2,164
Consolidated Variable Interest Entities [Member]    
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]    
Non-recourse debt - current, balance at variable interest entities 368 1,012
Non-recourse debt - noncurrent, balance at variable interest entities $ 2,832 $ 1,358
v3.10.0.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Total Revenue $ 2,837 $ 2,693 $ 8,114 $ 7,887
Cost of Goods and Services Sold 2,166 2,053 6,187 6,067
Operating margin 671 640 1,927 1,820
General and administrative expenses (43) (52) (134) (155)
Interest expense (255) (297) (799) (860)
Interest income 79 63 231 185
Loss on extinguishment of debt (11) (49) (187) (44)
Other expense (29) (36) (42) (67)
Other income 10 16 30 103
Loss (gain) on disposal and sale of businesses (21) (1) 856 (49)
Asset impairment expense (74) (2) (166) (260)
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) 5 22 (44) 14
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES 332 304 1,672 687
Income tax expense (146) (93) (509) (246)
Net equity in earnings of affiliates 6 24 31 33
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 192 235 1,194 474
Income (loss) from operations of discontinued businesses, net of income tax expense of $0, $17, $2 and $24, respectively (4) 26 (9) 35
Gain from disposal of discontinued businesses, net of income tax expense of $2, $0, $44 and $0, respectively 3 0 199 0
NET INCOME 191 261 1,384 509
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable stock of subsidiaries (90) (88) (311) (298)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION 101 152 1,075 181
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 0 (21) 2 (30)
AMOUNTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS:        
Income from continuing operations, net of tax 102 147 883 176
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (1) 5 192 5
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION $ 101 $ 152 $ 1,075 $ 181
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:        
Income from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders, net of tax $ 0.15 $ 0.22 $ 1.33 $ 0.27
Income from discontinued operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders, net of tax 0 0.01 0.29 0.01
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS 0.15 0.23 1.62 0.28
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:        
Income from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders, net of tax 0.15 0.22 1.33 0.27
Income from discontinued operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders, net of tax $ 0 $ 0.01 $ 0.29 $ 0.01
DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING 665 663 664 662
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER COMMON SHARE $ 0.13 $ 0.12 $ 0.26 $ 0.24
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION COMMON STOCKHOLDERS $ 0.15 $ 0.23 $ 1.62 $ 0.28
Electric Transmission [Member]        
Total Revenue $ 777 $ 853 $ 2,215 $ 2,449
Cost of Goods and Services Sold 638 704 1,856 2,088
Electricity, Generation [Member]        
Total Revenue 2,060 1,840 5,899 5,438
Cost of Goods and Services Sold $ 1,528 $ 1,349 $ 4,331 $ 3,979
v3.10.0.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (parentheticals) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation $ 0 $ 17 $ 2 $ 24
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member]        
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation $ 2 $ 0 $ 44 $ 0
v3.10.0.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]        
NET INCOME $ 191 $ 261 $ 1,384 $ 509
Foreign currency translation activity:        
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of income tax benefit of $2, $1, $3 and $0, respectively (42) 80 (159) 29
Reclassification to earnings, net of $0 income tax (3) 0 (1) 98
Total foreign currency translation adjustments (45) 80 (160) 127
Derivative activity:        
Change in derivative fair value, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $(3), $(6), $(3) and $15, respectively 15 5 32 (42)
Reclassification to earnings, net of income tax benefit (expense) of $(7), $5, $(15) and $(6), respectively 21 1 67 50
Total change in fair value of derivatives 36 6 99 8
Pension activity:        
Reclassification to earnings, net of income tax expense of $0, $4, $2 and $10, respectively 1 7 5 20
Total pension adjustments 1 7 5 20
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (8) 93 (56) 155
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 183 354 1,328 664
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests (114) (127) (416) (360)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION $ 69 $ 227 $ 912 $ 304
v3.10.0.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]        
Foreign currency translation adjustments, income tax benefit $ 2 $ 1 $ 3 $ 0
Foreign currency reclassification to earnings, net of income tax (expense) benefit 0 0 0 0
Change in derivative fair value, net of income tax (expense) benefit (3) (6) (3) 15
Derivative reclassification to earnings, net of income tax (expense) benefit (7) 5 (15) (6)
Pension, Reclassifications to Earnings, Net of Income Tax (expense) benefit $ 0 $ (4) $ (2) $ (10)
v3.10.0.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:    
Net income $ 1,384 $ 509
Adjustments to net income:    
Depreciation and amortization 770 884
Loss (gain) on disposal and sale of businesses (856) 49
Impairment expenses 172 260
Deferred income taxes 221 (3)
Provisions for contingencies 1 30
Loss on extinguishment of debt 187 44
Net loss on sales of assets 23 34
Gain on sale of discontinued operations (243) 0
Other 206 73
Changes in operating assets and liabilities    
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable (125) (279)
(Increase) decrease in inventory (13) (66)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets 15 140
(Increase) decrease in other assets (22) (266)
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and other current liabilities (29) 162
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable, net and other taxes payable (61) (4)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities 51 134
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,681 1,701
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:    
Capital expenditures (1,592) (1,587)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash and restricted cash acquired, and equity method investments (66) (590)
Proceeds from the sale of businesses, net of cash and restricted cash sold, and equity method investments 1,796 39
Proceeds from the sale of assets 15 0
Sale of short-term investments 1,010 2,942
Purchase of short-term investments (1,215) (2,673)
Contributions to equity affiliates (101) (49)
Other investing (37) (37)
Net cash used in investing activities (190) (1,955)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:    
Borrowings under the revolving credit facilities 1,434 1,489
Repayments under the revolving credit facilities (1,595) (851)
Issuance Of Recourse Debt 1,000 1,025
Repayments of recourse debt (1,781) (1,353)
Issuance of non-recourse debt 1,509 2,703
Repayments of non-recourse debt (1,139) (1,731)
Payments for financing fees (32) (96)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (199) (263)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests and redeemable security holders 40 59
Dividends paid on AES common stock (258) (238)
Payments for financed capital expenditures (186) (100)
Proceeds from Sale of Ownership Interests 0 60
Other financing 44 (26)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (1,163) 678
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (50) 21
(Increase) decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of discontinued operations and held-for-sale businesses 56 (107)
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect 334 338
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning 1,788 1,960
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, ending 2,122 2,298
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:    
Cash payments for interest, net of amounts capitalized 683 797
Cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds 313 291
SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:    
Non-cash acquisition of intangible assets 14 0
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed 119 0
Conversion of Alto Maipo loans and accounts payable into equity (see Note 10—Equity) 0 279
Fluence [Member] | Non-cash [Member]    
SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:    
Non-cash contributions of assets and liabilities for Fluence acquisition $ 20 $ 0
v3.10.0.1
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity Statement - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Total
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest $ 5,700   $ 2,906
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 509   328
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax 127   10
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax 8   3
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax 20   19
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax 155    
Temporary Equity, Other Changes [1] (19)   0
Noncontrolling Interest Decrease Due To Disposition Of Businesses [2] 0   0
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders (261)   (261)
Capital Contributions From Noncontrolling Interests 17   17
Dividends, Common Stock 158   0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures 12   0
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest 69   47
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests 115   (85)
Temporary Equity, Net Income 9   9
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 6,179   2,993
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption [3] 31   0
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 4,845   2,380
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 1,384   309
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax (160) $ (232) 72
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax 99   35
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax 5   0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (56)    
Temporary Equity, Other Changes [1] (4)   0
Noncontrolling Interest Decrease Due To Disposition Of Businesses [2] (250)   (250)
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders (253)   (253)
Capital Contributions From Noncontrolling Interests 6   6
Dividends, Common Stock 172   0
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures 18   0
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest 20   21
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests 0   0
Temporary Equity, Net Income 3   3
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 5,709   2,404
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption [3] $ 168   $ 81
[1] Adjustment to record the redeemable stock of Colon at fair value.
[2] See Note 17—Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further information.
[3] See Note 1—Financial Statement Presentation, New Accounting Standards Adopted for further information.
v3.10.0.1
Financial Statement Presentation
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION
The prior period condensed consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) have been reclassified to reflect the businesses classified as discontinued operations as discussed in Note 16—Discontinued Operations. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to comply with newly adopted accounting standards. See further detail in the new accounting pronouncements discussion.
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, and cash flows. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, are not necessarily indicative of expected results for the year ending December 31, 2018. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the 2017 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which are included in the 2017 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2018 (the “2017 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):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,187

 
$
949

Restricted cash
441

 
274

Debt service reserves and other deposits
494

 
565

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
$
2,122

 
$
1,788


New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2018 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
2017-07, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost
This standard changes the presentation of non-service costs associated with defined benefit plans and updates the guidance so that only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization.
Transition method: retrospective for presentation of non-service cost and prospective for the change in capitalization.
January 1, 2018
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, $2 million and $1 million of gains primarily related to the expected return on plan assets were reclassified from Costs of Sales to Other Expense, respectively.
2017-05, Other Income — Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Topic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets
This standard clarifies the scope and application of ASC 610-20 on the sale, transfer, and derecognition of nonfinancial assets and in substance nonfinancial assets to non-customers, including partial sales. It also provides guidance on how gains and losses on transfers of nonfinancial assets and in substance nonfinancial assets to non-customers are recognized. The standard also clarifies that the derecognition of businesses is under the scope of ASC 810. The standard must be adopted concurrently with ASC 606, however an entity will not have to apply the same transition method as ASC 606.
Transition method: modified retrospective.
January 1, 2018
As more transactions will not meet the definition of a business due to the adoption of ASU 2017-01, more dispositions or partial sales will be out of the scope of ASC 810 and will be under this standard.

2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business
The standard requires an entity to first evaluate whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, and if that threshold is met, the set is not a business. As a second step, at least one substantive process should exist to be considered a business.
Transition method: prospective.
January 1, 2018
Some acquisitions and dispositions will now fall under a different accounting model. This will reduce the number of transactions that are accounted for as business combinations and therefore future acquired goodwill.
2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)
This standard requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows.
Transition method: retrospective.
January 1, 2018
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, cash provided by operating activities increased by $12 million, cash used in investing activities decreased by $327 million, and cash provided by financing activities was unchanged.
2016-01, Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
The standard significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. It also amends certain disclosures of financial instruments.
Transition method: modified retrospective. Prospective for equity investments without readily determinable fair value.
January 1, 2018
No material impact upon adoption of the standard.
2014-09, 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12, 2016-20, 2017-10, 2017-13, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)

See discussion of the ASU below.
January 1, 2018
See impact upon adoption of the standard below.

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," and its subsequent corresponding updates ("ASC 606"). Under this standard, an entity shall recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company applied the modified retrospective method of adoption to the contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period amounts were not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous revenue recognition standard. For contracts that were modified before January 1, 2018, the Company reflected the aggregate effect of all modifications when identifying the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price and allocating the transaction price.
The cumulative effect to our January 1, 2018 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet resulting from the adoption of ASC 606 was as follows (in millions):
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
Balance at
December 31, 2017
 
Adjustments Due to ASC 606
 
Balance at
January 1, 2018
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Other current assets
$
630

 
$
61

 
$
691

Deferred income taxes
130

 
(24
)
 
106

Service concession assets, net
1,360

 
(1,360
)
 

Loan receivable

 
1,490

 
1,490

Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deficit
(2,276
)
 
67

 
(2,209
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,876
)
 
19

 
(1,857
)
Noncontrolling interest
2,380

 
81

 
2,461


The Mong Duong II power plant in Vietnam is the primary driver of changes in revenue recognition under the new standard. This plant is operated under a build, operate, and transfer contract and will be transferred to the Vietnamese government after the completion of a 25-year PPA. Under the previous revenue recognition standard, construction costs were deferred to a service concession asset, which was expensed in proportion to revenue recognized for the construction element over the term of the PPA. Under ASC 606, construction revenue and associated costs are recognized as construction activity occurs. As construction of the plant was substantially completed in 2015, revenues and costs associated with the construction were recognized through retained earnings, and the service concession asset was derecognized. A loan receivable was recognized for the future expected payments for the construction performance obligation. 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. The other performance obligation to operate and maintain the facility is measured based on the capacity made available.
The impact to our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018 resulting from the adoption of ASC 606 as compared to the previous revenue recognition standard was as follows (in millions):
 
September 30, 2018
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
As Reported
 
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606
 
Adoption Impact
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Other current assets
$
706

 
$
641

 
$
65

Deferred income taxes
88

 
112

 
(24
)
Service concession assets, net

 
1,287

 
(1,287
)
Loan receivable
1,441

 

 
1,441

TOTAL ASSETS
32,489

 
32,294

 
195

Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deficit
(1,133
)
 
(1,231
)
 
98

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(2,020
)
 
(2,038
)
 
18

Noncontrolling interest
2,404

 
2,325

 
79

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
32,489

 
32,294

 
195


The impact to our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018 resulting from the adoption of ASC 606 as compared to the previous revenue recognition standard was as follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
As Reported
 
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606
 
Adoption Impact
Total revenue
$
2,837

 
$
2,855

 
$
(18
)
Total cost of sales
(2,166
)
 
(2,180
)
 
14

Operating margin
671

 
675

 
(4
)
Interest income
79

 
64

 
15

Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates
332

 
321

 
11

Income tax expense
(146
)
 
(147
)
 
1

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
192

 
180

 
12

NET INCOME
191

 
179

 
12

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION
101

 
89

 
12


 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
As Reported
 
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606
 
Adoption Impact
Total revenue
$
8,114

 
$
8,168

 
$
(54
)
Total cost of sales
(6,187
)
 
(6,227
)
 
40

Operating margin
1,927

 
1,941

 
(14
)
Interest income
231

 
186

 
45

Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates
1,672

 
1,641

 
31

Income tax expense
(509
)
 
(509
)
 

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
1,194

 
1,163

 
31

NET INCOME
1,384

 
1,353

 
31

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION
1,075

 
1,044

 
31


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
2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract
This standard aligns the accounting for implementation costs incurred for a cloud computing arrangement that is a service with the requirement for capitalizing implementation costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software.
Transition method: retrospective or prospective.
January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from AOCI
This amendment allows a reclassification of the stranded tax effects resulting from the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from AOCI to retained earnings. Because this amendment only relates to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
The standard updates the hedge accounting model to expand the ability to hedge nonfinancial and financial risk components, reduce complexity, and ease certain documentation and assessment requirements. When facts and circumstances are the same as at the previous quantitative test, a subsequent quantitative effectiveness test is not required. The standard also eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. For cash flow hedges, this means that the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument will be recorded in other comprehensive income and amounts deferred will be reclassified to earnings in the same income statement line as the hedged item.
Transition method: modified retrospective with the cumulative effect adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the initial application date. Prospective for presentation and disclosures.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.

The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Part 1 of this standard changes the classification of certain equity-linked financial instruments when assessing whether the instrument is indexed to an entity’s own stock.
Transition method: retrospective.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2017-08, Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities
This standard shortens the period of amortization for the premium on certain callable debt securities to the earliest call date.
Transition method: modified retrospective.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
This standard simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing the requirement to calculate the implied fair value. Instead, it requires that an entity records an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value.
Transition method: prospective.
January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
The standard updates the impairment model for financial assets measured at amortized cost. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowance for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses as it is done today, except that the losses will be recognized as an allowance rather than a reduction in the amortized cost of the securities.
Transition method: various.
January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted only as of January 1, 2019.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2016-02, 2018-01, 2018-10, 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842)
See discussion of the ASU below.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company will adopt the standard on January 1, 2019; see below for the evaluation of the impact of its adoption on the consolidated financial statements.
ASU 2016-02 and its subsequent corresponding updates will require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases, and recognize expenses in a manner similar to the current accounting method. For lessors, the guidance modifies the lease classification criteria and the accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. The guidance also eliminates the current real estate-specific provisions.
The standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective approach at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements (January 1, 2017). The FASB amended the standard to add an optional transition method that allows entities to continue to apply the guidance in ASC 840 Leases in the comparative periods presented in the year they adopt the new lease standard. Under this transition method, the Company will apply the transition provisions on January 1, 2019. At transition, lessees and lessors are permitted to make an election to apply a package of practical expedients that allow them not to reassess: (1) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (2) lease classification for any expired or existing leases, and (3) whether initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases qualify for capitalization under ASC 842. These three practical expedients must be elected as a package and must be consistently applied to all leases. Furthermore, entities are also permitted to make an election to use hindsight when determining lease term and lessees can elect to use hindsight when assessing the impairment of right-of-use assets.
The Company has established a task force focused on the identification of contracts that would be under the scope of the new standard and on the assessment and measurement of the right-of-use asset and related liability. Additionally, the implementation team has been working on the configuration of a lease accounting tool that will support the implementation and the subsequent accounting. The implementation of this tool is in the latest phase and it is expected to be completed by the effective date. The implementation team is also in the process of evaluating changes to our business processes, systems and controls to support recognition and disclosure under the new standard.
The Company has preliminarily concluded that it will use the package of practical expedients at transition. The main impact expected as of the effective date is the recognition of right-of-use assets and related liabilities for all contracts that contain a lease and for which the Company is the lessee. However, the income statement presentation and the expense recognition pattern are not expected to change.
Under ASC 842, it is expected that fewer contracts will contain a lease. However, due to the elimination of today's real estate-specific guidance and changes to certain lessor classification criteria, more leases will qualify as sales-type leases and direct financing leases. Under these two models, a lessor will derecognize the asset and will recognize a lease receivable. According to ASC 842, the lease receivable does not include variable payments that depend on the use of the asset (e.g. Mwh produced by a facility). Therefore, the lease receivable could be lower than the carrying amount of the underlying asset at lease commencement. In such circumstances, the difference between the initially recognized lease receivable and the carrying amount of the underlying asset is recognized as a loss at lease commencement. The Company is assessing how this guidance will apply to new renewable contracts executed or modified after the effective date where all the payments are contingent on the level of production and is also evaluating the related impact to the allocation of earnings under HLBV accounting.
v3.10.0.1
Inventory
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
INVENTORY INVENTORY
The following table summarizes the Company’s inventory balances as of the periods indicated (in millions):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Fuel and other raw materials
$
278

 
$
284

Spare parts and supplies
284

 
278

Total
$
562

 
$
562

v3.10.0.1
Fair Value
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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. By virtue of these amounts being 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 4—Fair Value in Item 8.—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of our 2017 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 are determined based on the nature and risk of the security and are consistent with how the Company manages, monitors and measures its marketable securities:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DEBT SECURITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured debentures
$

 
$
60

 
$

 
$
60

 
$

 
$
207

 
$

 
$
207

Certificates of deposit

 
270

 

 
270

 

 
153

 

 
153

Total debt securities

 
330

 

 
330

 

 
360

 

 
360

EQUITY SECURITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds
21

 
45

 

 
66

 
20

 
52

 

 
72

Other equity securities

 
3

 

 
3

 

 

 

 

Total equity securities
21

 
48

 

 
69

 
20

 
52

 

 
72

DERIVATIVES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives

 
65

 
5

 
70

 

 
15

 

 
15

Cross-currency derivatives

 
26

 

 
26

 

 
29

 

 
29

Foreign currency derivatives

 
22

 
221

 
243

 

 
29

 
240

 
269

Commodity derivatives

 
9

 
8

 
17

 

 
30

 
5

 
35

Total derivatives — assets

 
122

 
234

 
356

 

 
103

 
245

 
348

TOTAL ASSETS
$
21

 
$
500

 
$
234

 
$
755

 
$
20

 
$
515

 
$
245

 
$
780

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DERIVATIVES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$

 
$
60

 
$
101

 
$
161

 
$

 
$
111

 
$
151

 
$
262

Cross-currency derivatives

 
2

 

 
2

 

 
3

 

 
3

Foreign currency derivatives

 
54

 

 
54

 

 
30

 

 
30

Commodity derivatives

 
4

 

 
4

 

 
19

 
1

 
20

Total derivatives — liabilities

 
120

 
101

 
221

 

 
163

 
152

 
315

TOTAL LIABILITIES
$

 
$
120

 
$
101

 
$
221

 
$

 
$
163

 
$
152

 
$
315


As of September 30, 2018, all AFS debt securities had stated maturities within one year. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, no other-than-temporary impairments of marketable securities were recognized in earnings or Other Comprehensive Income. 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 AFS securities during the periods indicated (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Gross proceeds from sale of AFS securities (1)
$
713

 
$
365

 
$
1,127

 
$
1,158

_____________________________
(1) 
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 include $119 million non-cash proceeds from non-convertible debentures at Guaimbê Solar Complex. See Note 18—Acquisitions for further information.
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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (presented net by type of derivative in millions). Transfers between Level 3 and Level 2 are determined as of the end of the reporting period and principally result from changes in the significance of unobservable inputs used to calculate the credit valuation adjustment.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Interest Rate
 
Foreign Currency
 
Commodity
 
Total
Balance at July 1
$
(111
)
 
$
219

 
$
10

 
$
118

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in other comprehensive income — derivative activity
12

 

 

 
12

Included in regulatory liabilities

 

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Settlements
3

 
2

 

 
5

Balance at September 30
$
(96
)
 
$
221

 
$
8

 
$
133

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
$
1

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
3


Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Interest Rate
 
Foreign Currency
 
Commodity
 
Total
Balance at July 1
$
(195
)
 
$
239

 
$
9

 
$
53

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings
(5
)
 
12

 

 
7

Included in other comprehensive income — derivative activity
(2
)
 

 

 
(2
)
Settlements
10

 
(9
)
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
Balance at September 30
$
(192
)
 
$
242

 
$
6

 
$
56

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
$
(1
)
 
$
3

 
$

 
$
2


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Interest Rate
 
Foreign Currency
 
Commodity
 
Total
Balance at January 1
$
(151
)
 
$
240

 
$
4

 
$
93

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 

Included in earnings
28

 
(3
)
 
1

 
26

Included in other comprehensive income — derivative activity
48

 

 

 
48

Included in regulatory liabilities

 

 
6

 
6

Settlements
12

 
(16
)
 
(3
)
 
(7
)
Transfers of assets/(liabilities), net into Level 3
1

 

 

 
1

Transfers of (assets)/liabilities, net out of Level 3
(34
)
 

 

 
(34
)
Balance at September 30
$
(96
)
 
$
221

 
$
8

 
$
133

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
$
32

 
$
(19
)
 
$
1

 
$
14


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Interest Rate
 
Foreign Currency
 
Commodity
 
Total
Balance at January 1
$
(179
)
 
$
255

 
$
5

 
$
81

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings
(5
)
 
12

 
(1
)
 
6

Included in other comprehensive income — derivative activity
(29
)
 

 

 
(29
)
Included in regulatory liabilities

 

 
10

 
10

Settlements
28

 
(25
)
 
(8
)
 
(5
)
Transfers of assets/(liabilities), net into Level 3
(7
)
 

 

 
(7
)
Balance at September 30
$
(192
)
 
$
242

 
$
6

 
$
56

Total 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
$

 
$
(12
)
 
$

 
$
(12
)

The following table summarizes the significant unobservable inputs used for Level 3 derivative assets (liabilities) as of September 30, 2018 (in millions, except range amounts):
Type of Derivative
 
Fair Value
 
Unobservable Input
 
Amount or Range (Weighted Average)
Interest rate
 
$
(96
)
 
Subsidiaries’ credit spreads
 
1.78% to 4.38% (3.63%)
Foreign currency:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Argentine Peso
 
221

 
Argentine peso to USD currency exchange rate after one year
 
42.08 to 166.5 (99.21)
Commodity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
8

 
 
 
 
Total
 
$
133

 
 
 
 
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
 
Pretax Loss
Nine months ended September 30, 2018
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Equity Method Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elsta
09/30/2018
 
$
21

 
$

 
$
16

 
$

 
$
5

Long-lived assets held and used: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. generation facility
09/30/2018
 
185

 

 

 
33

 
156

 
Measurement Date
 
Carrying Amount (1)
 
Fair Value
 
Pretax Loss
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Long-lived assets held and used: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DPL
02/28/2017
 
$
77

 
$

 
$

 
$
11

 
$
66

Other
02/28/2017
 
15

 

 

 
7

 
8

Held-for-sale businesses: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kazakhstan Hydroelectric
06/30/2017
 
190

 

 
92

 

 
92

Kazakhstan
03/31/2017
 
171

 

 
29

 

 
94

_____________________________
(1) 
Represents the carrying values at the dates of initial measurement, before fair value adjustment.
(2) 
See Note 14—Asset Impairment Expense for further information.
(3) 
Per the Company’s policy, pretax loss is limited to the impairment of long-lived assets. Any additional loss will be recognized on completion of the sale. See Note 17—Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further information.
When determining the fair value of the U.S. generation facility’s long-lived assets, the Company used the market approach based on prices and unobservable inputs from transactions involving comparable assets as the inputs for the Level 3 nonrecurring measurement.  
Asset Retirement Obligation — During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company increased the asset retirement obligation at IPL by $53 million. This increase was due to ash pond closure costs and revised closure dates associated with an EPA rule regulating CCR and additional coal pile remediation costs. The Company uses the cost approach to determine the fair 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. These inputs to the fair value of the ARO liabilities would be considered Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy.
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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, but for which fair value is disclosed:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
Accounts receivable — noncurrent (1)
$
105

 
$
224

 
$

 
$

 
$
224

Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt
15,581

 
15,429

 

 
12,699

 
2,730

 
Recourse debt
3,820

 
3,901

 

 
3,901

 

 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
Accounts receivable — noncurrent (1)
$
163

 
$
217

 
$

 
$
6

 
$
211

Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt
15,340

 
15,890

 

 
13,350

 
2,540

 
Recourse debt
4,630

 
4,920

 

 
4,920

 

_____________________________
(1) 
These amounts primarily relate to amounts due from CAMMESA, the administrator of the wholesale electricity market in Argentina, 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 $14 million and $31 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
v3.10.0.1
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
For further information on the derivative and hedging accounting policies see Note 1—General and Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesDerivatives and Hedging Activities of Item 8.—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data in the 2017 Form 10-K.
Volume of Activity — The following table presents the Company’s maximum notional (in millions) over the remaining contractual period by type of derivative as of September 30, 2018, regardless of whether they are in qualifying cash flow hedging relationships, and the dates through which the maturities for each type of derivative range:
Derivatives
 
Maximum Notional Translated to USD
 
Latest Maturity
Interest rate (LIBOR and EURIBOR)
 
$
4,499

 
2042
Cross-currency swaps (Chilean Unidad de Fomento and Chilean peso)
 
376

 
2029
Foreign Currency:
 
 
 
 
Argentine peso
 
73

 
2026
Chilean peso
 
334

 
2021
Colombian peso
 
163

 
2020
Brazilian real
 
80

 
2019
Others, primarily with weighted average remaining maturities of a year or less
 
246

 
2021

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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in millions):
Fair Value
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets
Designated
 
Not Designated
 
Total
 
Designated
 
Not Designated
 
Total
Interest rate derivatives
$
68

 
$
2

 
$
70

 
$
15

 
$

 
$
15

Cross-currency derivatives
26

 

 
26

 
29

 

 
29

Foreign currency derivatives

 
243

 
243

 
8

 
261

 
269

Commodity derivatives

 
17

 
17

 
5

 
30

 
35

Total assets
$
94

 
$
262

 
$
356

 
$
57

 
$
291

 
$
348

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$
159

 
$
2

 
$
161

 
$
125

 
$
137

 
$
262

Cross-currency derivatives
2

 

 
2

 
3

 

 
3

Foreign currency derivatives
29

 
25

 
54

 
1

 
29

 
30

Commodity derivatives

 
4

 
4

 
9

 
11

 
20

Total liabilities
$
190

 
$
31

 
$
221

 
$
138

 
$
177

 
$
315

 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Fair Value
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Current
$
74

 
$
69

 
$
84

 
$
211

Noncurrent
282

 
152

 
264

 
104

Total
$
356

 
$
221

 
$
348

 
$
315


As of September 30, 2018, all derivative instruments subject to credit risk-related contingent features were in an asset position.
Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
Present value of liabilities subject to collateralization
 
 
 
$
15

Cash collateral held by third parties or in escrow
 
 
 
9

 _____________________________
(1) 
Based on the credit rating of certain subsidiaries
Earnings and Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) — The next table presents (in millions) the pre-tax gains (losses) recognized in AOCL and earnings related to all derivative instruments for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Effective portion of cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains (losses) recognized in AOCL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$
26

 
$
(6
)
 
$
81

 
$
(79
)
Cross-currency derivatives
3

 
12

 
(2
)
 
14

Foreign currency derivatives
(11
)
 
(4
)
 
(44
)
 
(15
)
Commodity derivatives

 
9

 

 
23

Total
$
18

 
$
11

 
$
35

 
$
(57
)
Gains (losses) reclassified from AOCL into earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$
(12
)
 
$
(19
)
 
$
(42
)
 
$
(63
)
Cross-currency derivatives
(8
)
 
14

 
(26
)
 
18

Foreign currency derivatives
(8
)
 
(1
)
 
(9
)
 
(24
)
Commodity derivatives

 
10

 
(5
)
 
13

Total
$
(28
)
 
$
4

 
$
(82
)

$
(56
)
Loss reclassified from AOCL to earnings due to discontinuance of hedge accounting (1)

$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(16
)
Gains (losses) recognized in earnings related to
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ineffective portion of cash flow hedges
$

 
$
4

 
$
(3
)
 
$
4

Not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
(10
)
 
5

 
144

 
(13
)
Commodity derivatives and other
2

 
1

 
33

 
7

Total
$
(8
)
 
$
6

 
$
177

 
$
(6
)

_____________________________
(1)
Cash flow hedge was discontinued because it was probable the forecasted transaction will not occur.
AOCL is expected to decrease pre-tax income from continuing operations for the twelve months ended September 30, 2019 by $66 million, primarily due to interest rate derivatives.
v3.10.0.1
Financing Receivables
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]  
FINANCING RECEIVABLES FINANCING RECEIVABLES
Receivables with contractual maturities of greater than one year are considered financing receivables. The Company’s financing receivables are primarily related to amended agreements or government resolutions that are
due from CAMMESA, the administrator of the wholesale electricity market in Argentina. The following table presents financing receivables by country as of the dates indicated (in millions):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Argentina
$
83

 
$
177

Panama
27

 

Other
9

 
17

Total
$
119

 
$
194


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.
v3.10.0.1
Investment In and Advances To Affiliates
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
50%-or-less-Owned Affiliates
2018
 
2017
Revenue
$
734

 
$
532

Operating margin
119

 
91

Net income
36

 
44


Simple Energy — In April 2018, the Company invested $35 million in Simple Energy, a provider of utility-branded marketplaces and omni-channel instant rebates. As the Company does not control Simple Energy, the investment is accounted for as an equity method investment and is reported as part of Corporate and Other.
Fluence — On January 1, 2018, Siemens and AES closed on the creation of the Fluence joint venture with each party holding a 50% ownership interest. The Company contributed $7 million in cash and $20 million in non-cash assets from the AES Advancion energy storage development business as consideration for the transaction, and received an equity interest in Fluence with a fair value of $50 million. See Note 17—Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further discussion. Fluence is a global energy storage technology and services company. As the Company does not control Fluence, the investment is accounted for as an equity method investment. The Fluence equity method investment is reported as part of Corporate and Other.
sPower — In February 2017, the Company and Alberta Investment Management Corporation (“AIMCo”) entered into an agreement to acquire FTP Power LLC (“sPower”). In July 2017, AES closed on the acquisition of its 48% ownership interest in sPower for $461 million. In November 2017, AES acquired an additional 2% ownership interest in sPower for $19 million. As the Company does not control sPower, the investment is accounted for as an equity method investment. The sPower portfolio includes solar and wind projects in operation, under construction, and in development located in the United States. The sPower equity method investment is reported in the US and Utilities SBU reportable segment.
v3.10.0.1
Debt
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
DEBT DEBT
Recourse Debt
In March 2018, the Company repurchased via tender offers $671 million aggregate principal of its existing 5.50% senior unsecured notes due in 2024 and $29 million of its existing 5.50% senior unsecured notes due in 2025. As a result of these transactions, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $44 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
In March 2018, the Company issued $500 million aggregate principal of 4.00% senior notes due in 2021 and $500 million of 4.50% senior notes due in 2023. The Company used the proceeds from these issuances to repurchase via tender offer in full the $228 million balance of its 8.00% senior notes due in 2020 and the $690 million million balance of its 7.375% senior notes due in 2021. As a result of these transactions, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $125 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
In August 2017, the Company issued $500 million aggregate principal amount of 5.125% senior notes due in
2027. The Company used these proceeds to redeem at par $240 million aggregate principal of its existing LIBOR + 3.00% senior unsecured notes due in 2019 and repurchased $217 million of its existing 8.00% senior unsecured notes due in 2020. As a result of the latter transactions, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $36 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
In May 2017, the Company closed on $525 million aggregate principal LIBOR + 2.00% secured term loan due in 2022. In June 2017, the Company used these proceeds to redeem at par all $517 million aggregate principal of its existing Term Convertible Securities. As a result of the latter transaction, the Company recognized a net loss on extinguishment of debt of $6 million for the three and six months ended September 30, 2017.
In March 2017, the Company repurchased via tender offers $276 million aggregate principal of its existing 7.375% senior unsecured notes due in 2021 and $24 million of its existing 8.00% senior unsecured notes due in 2020. As a result of these transactions, the Company recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $47 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Non-Recourse Debt
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company’s subsidiaries had the following significant debt transactions:
Subsidiary
 
Transaction Period
 
Issuances
 
Repayments
 
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
Southland
 
Q1, Q2, Q3
 
$
587

 
$

 
$

Tietê
 
Q1
 
385

 
(231
)
 

Alto Maipo
 
Q2
 
104

 

 

DPL
 
Q2
 

 
(106
)
 
(6
)
Gener
 
Q3
 

 
(104
)
 
(7
)
Angamos
 
Q3
 

 
(98
)
 


AES Argentina — In February 2017, AES Argentina issued $300 million aggregate principal of unsecured and unsubordinated notes due in 2024. The net proceeds from this issuance were used for the prepayment of $75 million of non-recourse debt related to the construction of the San Nicolas Plant resulting in a gain on extinguishment of debt of approximately $65 million.
Non-Recourse Debt in Default — The current portion of non-recourse debt includes the following subsidiary debt in default as of September 30, 2018 (in millions).
Subsidiary
 
Primary Nature of Default
 
Debt in Default
 
Net Assets
AES Puerto Rico
 
Covenant
 
$
322

 
$
135

AES Ilumina (Puerto Rico)
 
Covenant
 
35

 
17

 
 
 
 
$
357

 
 

The above defaults are not payment defaults. All of the subsidiary non-recourse debt defaults were triggered by failure to comply with covenants and/or other conditions such as (but not limited to) failure to meet information covenants, complete construction or other milestones in an allocated time, meet certain minimum or maximum financial ratios, or other requirements contained in the non-recourse debt documents of the applicable subsidiary.
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 more than 20% or more of the Parent Company’s total cash distributions from businesses for the four most recently completed fiscal quarters. As of September 30, 2018, the Company had no defaults which resulted in or were at risk of triggering a cross-default under the recourse debt of the Parent Company. In the event the Parent Company is not in compliance with the financial covenants of its senior secured revolving credit facility, restricted payments will be limited to regular quarterly shareholder dividends at the then-prevailing rate. Payment defaults and bankruptcy defaults would preclude the making of any restricted payments.
v3.10.0.1
Contingencies and Commitments
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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 18 years.
The following table summarizes the Parent Company’s contingent contractual obligations as of September 30, 2018. 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 Individual Agreements (in millions)
Guarantees and commitments
 
$
435

 
21

 
<$1 — 68
Letters of credit under the unsecured credit facility
 
348

 
6

 
$2 — 247
Letters of credit under the senior secured credit facility
 
43

 
25

 
<$1 — 14
Asset sale related indemnities (1)
 
27

 
1

 
$27
Total
 
$
853

 
53

 
 

_____________________________
(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 nine months ended September 30, 2018, 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 period ended September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the Company had recognized liabilities of $5 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 September 30, 2018. In aggregate, the Company estimates the range of potential losses, where estimable, related to environmental matters to be up to $16 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 $48 million and $50 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, 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 September 30, 2018. The material contingencies where a loss is reasonably possible primarily include disputes with offtakers, suppliers and EPC contractors; 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 $99 million and $127 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.
v3.10.0.1
Redeemable Stocks of Subsidiaries (Notes)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
IPALCO common stock
$
618

 
$
618

Colon quotas (1)
201

 
159

IPL preferred stock
60

 
60

Total redeemable stock of subsidiaries
$
879

 
$
837


 _____________________________
(1) 
Characteristics of quotas are similar to common stock.
Colon — Our partner in Colon made capital contributions of $34 million and $30 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 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.
v3.10.0.1
Equity
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]  
EQUITY EQUITY
Changes in Equity — The following table is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending equity attributable to stockholders of The AES Corporation, NCI and total equity as of the periods indicated (in millions):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
The Parent Company Stockholders’ Equity
 
NCI
 
Total Equity
 
The Parent Company Stockholders’ Equity
 
NCI
 
Total Equity
Balance at the beginning of the period
$
2,465

 
$
2,380

 
$
4,845

 
$
2,794

 
$
2,906

 
$
5,700

Net income
1,075

 
309

 
1,384

 
181

 
328

 
509

Total foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax
(232
)
 
72

 
(160
)
 
117

 
10

 
127

Total change in derivative fair value, net of income tax
64

 
35

 
99

 
5

 
3

 
8

Total pension adjustments, net of income tax
5

 

 
5

 
1

 
19

 
20

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle (1)
87

 
81

 
168

 
31

 

 
31

Fair value adjustment (2)
(4
)
 

 
(4
)
 
(19
)
 

 
(19
)
Disposition of businesses (3)

 
(250
)
 
(250
)
 

 

 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 
(253
)
 
(253
)
 

 
(261
)
 
(261
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests

 
6

 
6

 

 
17

 
17

Dividends declared on common stock
(172
)
 

 
(172
)
 
(158
)
 

 
(158
)
Issuance and exercise of stock-based compensation
18

 

 
18

 
12

 

 
12

Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests
(1
)
 
21

 
20

 
22

 
47

 
69

Acquisition of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
200

 
(85
)
 
115

Less: Net loss attributable to redeemable stock of subsidiaries

 
3

 
3

 

 
9

 
9

Balance at the end of the period
$
3,305

 
$
2,404

 
$
5,709

 
$
3,186

 
$
2,993

 
$
6,179


_____________________________
(1)  
See Note 1—Financial Statement Presentation, New Accounting Standards Adopted for further information.
(2)  
Adjustment to record the redeemable stock of Colon at fair value.
(3) 
See Note 17—Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further information.
Equity Transactions with Noncontrolling Interests
Dominican Republic — On September 28, 2017, Linda Group, an investor-based group in the Dominican Republic acquired an additional 5% of our Dominican Republic business for $60 million, pre-tax. This transaction resulted in a net increase of $25 million to the Company’s additional paid-in capital and noncontrolling interest, respectively. No gain or loss was recognized in net income as the sale was not considered a sale of in-substance real estate. As the Company maintained control after the sale, our businesses in the Dominican Republic continue to be consolidated by the Company within the MCAC SBU reportable segment.
Alto Maipo — On March 17, 2017, AES Gener completed the legal and financial restructuring of Alto Maipo. As part of this restructuring, AES indirectly acquired the 40% ownership interest of the noncontrolling shareholder, for a de minimis payment, and sold a 6.7% interest in the project to the construction contractor. This transaction resulted in a $196 million increase to the Parent Company’s Stockholders’ Equity due to an increase in additional-paid-in capital of $229 million, offset by the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive losses from NCI to the Parent Company Stockholders’ Equity of $33 million. No gain or loss was recognized in net income as the sale was not considered to be a sale of in-substance real estate. After completion of the sale, the Company has an effective 62% economic interest in Alto Maipo. As the Company maintained control of the partnership after the sale, Alto Maipo continues to be consolidated by the Company within the South America SBU reportable segment.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL by component, net of tax and NCI, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in millions):
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net
 
Unrealized derivative gains (losses), net
 
Unfunded pension obligations, net
 
Total
Balance at the beginning of the period
$
(1,486
)
 
$
(333
)
 
$
(57
)
 
$
(1,876
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(231
)
 
9

 

 
(222
)
Amount reclassified to earnings
(1
)
 
55

 
5

 
59

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(232
)
 
64

 
5

 
(163
)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 
19

 

 
19

Balance at the end of the period
$
(1,718
)
 
$
(250
)
 
$
(52
)
 
$
(2,020
)

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 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net
 
 
 
 
Gain (loss) on disposal and sale of businesses
 
$
3

 
$

 
$
19

 
$
(98
)
 
 
Net gain from disposal of discontinued businesses
 

 

 
(18
)
 
$

 
 
Net income attributable to The AES Corporation
 
$
3

 
$

 
$
1

 
$
(98
)
Unrealized derivative gains (losses), net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-regulated revenue
 
$
(1
)
 
$
12

 
$
(6
)
 
$
22

 
 
Non-regulated cost of sales
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
$
(3
)
 
(11
)
 
 
Interest expense
 
(11
)
 
(20
)
 
$
(38
)
 
(63
)
 
 
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)
 
(15
)
 
14

 
$
(35
)
 
(4
)
 
 
Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates
 
(28
)
 
4

 
(82
)
 
(56
)
 
 
Income tax expense
 
7

 
(5
)
 
15

 
6

 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
(21
)
 
(1
)
 
(67
)
 
(50
)
 
 
Less: Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable stock of subsidiaries
 
1

 
1

 
12

 
10

 
 
Net income attributable to The AES Corporation
 
$
(20
)
 
$

 
$
(55
)
 
$
(40
)
Amortization of defined benefit pension actuarial loss, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses
 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$
1

 
 
Other expense
 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
 
Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 

 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 

 
 
Net income (loss) from operations of discontinued businesses
 

 
(6
)
 

 
(20
)
 
 
Net gain from disposal of discontinued operations
 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
 
Net income
 
(1
)
 
(7
)
 
(5
)
 
(20
)
 
 
Less: Loss (income) from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest
 

 
6

 

 
16

 
 
Net income attributable to The AES Corporation
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(5
)
 
$
(4
)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of income tax and noncontrolling interests
 
$
(18
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(59
)
 
$
(142
)

Common Stock Dividends — The Parent Company paid dividends of $0.13 per outstanding share to its common stockholders during the first, second and third quarters of 2018 for dividends declared in December 2017, February and July 2018, respectively.
On October 5, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.13 per share payable on November 15, 2018, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 1, 2018.
v3.10.0.1
Segments
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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. During the first quarter of 2018, the Andes and Brazil SBUs were merged in order to leverage scale and are now reported together as part of the South America SBU. Further, Puerto Rico and El Salvador businesses, formerly part of the MCAC SBU, were combined with the US SBU, which is now reported as the US and Utilities SBU. 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. All prior period results have been retrospectively revised to reflect the new segment reporting structure.
Corporate and Other — The results of the Fluence and Simple Energy equity affiliates are included in “Corporate and Other.” Also included are the results of the AES self-insurance company and 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; (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 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Total Revenue
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
US and Utilities SBU
$
1,230

 
$
1,086

 
$
3,252

 
$
3,179

South America SBU
923

 
834

 
2,664

 
2,377

MCAC SBU
462

 
397

 
1,276

 
1,120

Eurasia SBU
224

 
380

 
935

 
1,204

Corporate and Other
7

 
9

 
21

 
29

Eliminations
(9
)
 
(13
)
 
(34
)
 
(22
)
Total Revenue
$
2,837

 
$
2,693

 
$
8,114

 
$
7,887


Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Total Adjusted PTC
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates
$
332

 
$
304

 
$
1,672

 
$
687

Add: Net equity in earnings of affiliates
6

 
24

 
31

 
33

Less: Income from continuing operations before taxes, attributable to noncontrolling interests
(116
)
 
(112
)
 
(409
)
 
(405
)
Pre-tax contribution
222

 
216

 
1,294

 
315

Unrealized derivative and equity securities losses (gains)
16

 
(8
)
 
4

 
(7
)
Unrealized foreign currency losses (gains)
(7
)
 
(21
)
 
42

 
(54
)
Disposition/acquisition losses (gains)
17

 
1

 
(822
)
 
109

Impairment expense
80

 
2

 
172

 
264

Losses (gains) on extinguishment of debt
(1
)
 
48

 
177

 
43

Restructuring costs

 

 
3

 

Total Adjusted PTC
$
327

 
$
238

 
$
870

 
$
670


 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Total Adjusted PTC
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
US and Utilities SBU
$
167

 
$
138

 
$
363

 
$
288

South America SBU
128

 
67

 
381

 
289

MCAC SBU
81

 
91

 
215

 
209

Eurasia SBU
37

 
61

 
175

 
218

Corporate, Other and Eliminations
(86
)
 
(119
)
 
(264
)
 
(334
)
Total Adjusted PTC
$
327

 
$
238

 
$
870

 
$
670


Total Assets
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
US and Utilities SBU
$
11,971

 
$
11,297

South America SBU
11,049

 
10,874

MCAC SBU
4,477

 
4,087

Eurasia SBU
4,588

 
4,557

Assets held-for-sale
111

 
2,034

Corporate and Other
293

 
263

Total Assets
$
32,489

 
$
33,112

v3.10.0.1
Revenue (Notes)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contracts with Customers [Abstract]  
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] REVENUE
Revenue is earned from the sale of electricity from our utilities and the production and sale of electricity and capacity from our generation facilities. Revenue is recognized upon the transfer of control of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Revenue is recorded net of any taxes assessed on and collected from customers, which are remitted to the governmental authorities.
Utilities Our utilities sell electricity directly to end-users, such as homes and businesses, and bill customers directly. The majority of our utility contracts have a single performance obligation, as the promises to transfer energy, capacity, and other distribution and/or transmission services are not distinct. Additionally, as the performance obligation is satisfied over time as energy is delivered, and the same method is used to measure progress, the performance obligation meets the criteria to be considered a series. Utility revenue is classified as regulated on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
In exchange for the right to sell or distribute electricity in a service territory, our utility businesses are subject to government regulation. This regulation sets the framework for the prices (“tariffs”) that our utilities are allowed to charge customers for electricity. Since tariffs are determined by the regulator, the price that our utilities have the right to bill corresponds directly with the value to the customer of the utility's performance completed in each period. The Company also has some month-to-month contracts. Revenue under these contracts is recognized using an output method measured by the MWh delivered each month, which best depicts the transfer of goods or services to the customer, at the approved tariff.
The Company has businesses where it sells and purchases power to and from ISOs and RTOs. Our utility businesses generally purchase power to satisfy the demand of customers that is not contracted through separate PPAs. In these instances, the Company accounts for these transactions on a net hourly basis because the transactions are settled on a net hourly basis. In limited situations, a utility customer may choose to receive generation services from a third-party provider, in which case the Company may serve as a billing agent for the provider and recognize revenue on a net basis.
Generation — Most of our generation fleet sells electricity under contracts to customers such as utilities, industrial users, and other intermediaries. Our generation contracts, based on specific facts and circumstances, can have one or more performance obligations as the promise to transfer energy, capacity, and other services may or may not be distinct depending on the nature of the market and terms of the contract. Similar to our utilities businesses, as the performance obligations are generally satisfied over time and use the same method to measure progress, the performance obligations meet the criteria to be considered a series. In measuring progress toward satisfaction of a performance obligation, the Company applies the "right to invoice" practical expedient when available, and recognizes revenue in the amount to which the Company has a right to consideration from a customer that corresponds directly with the value of the performance completed to date. Revenue from generation businesses is classified as non-regulated on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
For contracts determined to have multiple performance obligations, we allocate revenue to each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price using a market or expected cost plus margin approach. Additionally, the Company allocates variable consideration to one or more, but not all, distinct goods or services that form part of a single performance obligation when (1) the variable consideration relates specifically to the efforts to transfer the distinct good or service and (2) the variable consideration depicts the amount to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring the promised good or service to the customer.
Revenue from generation contracts is recognized using an output method, as energy and capacity delivered best depicts the transfer of goods or services to the customer. Performance obligations including energy or ancillary services (such as operations and maintenance and dispatch services) are generally measured by the MWh delivered. Capacity, which is a stand-ready obligation to deliver energy when required by the customer, is measured using MWs. In certain contracts, if plant availability exceeds a contractual target, the Company may receive a performance bonus payment, or if the plant availability falls below a guaranteed minimum target, we may incur a
non-availability penalty. Such bonuses or penalties represent a form of variable consideration and are estimated and recognized when it is probable that there will not be a significant reversal.
In assessing whether variable quantities are considered variable consideration or an option to acquire additional goods and services, the Company evaluates the nature of the promise and the legally enforceable rights in the contract. In some contracts, such as requirement contracts, the legally enforceable rights merely give the customer a right to purchase additional goods and services which are distinct. In these contracts, the customer's action results in a new obligation, and the variable quantities are considered an option.
When energy or capacity is sold or purchased in the spot market or to ISOs, the Company assesses the facts and circumstances to determine gross versus net presentation of spot revenues and purchases. Generally, the nature of the performance obligation is to sell surplus energy or capacity above contractual commitments, or to purchase energy or capacity to satisfy deficits. Generally, on an hourly basis, a generator is either a net seller or a net buyer in terms of the amount of energy or capacity transacted with the ISO. In these situations, the Company recognizes revenue for the hours where the generator is a net seller and cost of sales for the hours where the generator is a net buyer.
Certain generation contracts contain operating leases where capacity payments are generally considered the lease elements. In such cases, the allocation between the lease and non-lease elements is made at the inception of the lease following the guidance in ASC 840. Minimum lease payments from such contracts are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term whereas contingent rentals are recognized when earned. Lease revenue is presented separately from revenue from contracts with customers below.
The following table presents our revenue from contracts with customers and other revenue for the periods indicated (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
US and Utilities SBU
 
South America SBU
 
MCAC SBU
 
Eurasia SBU
 
Corporate and Other/ Eliminations
 
Total
Regulated Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue from contracts with customers
$
759

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
759

Other regulated revenue
18

 

 

 

 

 
18

Total regulated revenue
$
777

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
777

Non-Regulated Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue from contracts with customers
$
386

 
$
922

 
$
440

 
$
152

 
$
(2
)
 
$
1,898

Other non-regulated revenue (1)
67

 
1

 
22

 
72

 

 
162

Total non-regulated revenue
$
453

 
$
923

 
$
462

 
$
224

 
$
(2
)
 
$
2,060

Total revenue
$
1,230

 
$
923

 
$
462

 
$
224

 
$
(2
)
 
$
2,837


 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
US and Utilities SBU
 
South America SBU
 
MCAC SBU
 
Eurasia SBU
 
Corporate and Other/ Eliminations
 
Total
Regulated Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue from contracts with customers
$
2,176

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,176

Other regulated revenue
39

 

 

 

 

 
39

Total regulated revenue
$
2,215

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,215

Non-Regulated Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue from contracts with customers
$
774

 
$
2,661

 
$
1,211

 
$
701

 
$
(11
)
 
$
5,336

Other non-regulated revenue (1)
263

 
3

 
65

 
234

 
(2
)
 
563

Total non-regulated revenue
$
1,037

 
$
2,664

 
$
1,276

 
$
935

 
$
(13
)
 
$
5,899

Total revenue
$
3,252

 
$
2,664

 
$
1,276

 
$
935

 
$
(13
)
 
$
8,114


_____________________________
(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. Accounts receivable represent unconditional rights to consideration and consist of both billed amounts and unbilled amounts typically resulting from sales under long-term contracts when revenue recognized exceeds the amount billed to the customer. We bill both generation and utilities customers on a contractually agreed-upon schedule, typically at periodic intervals (e.g., monthly). The calculation of revenue earned but not yet billed is based on the number of days not billed in the month, the estimated amount of energy delivered during those days and the estimated average price per customer class for that month.
Our contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue which is classified as current or noncurrent based on the timing of when we expect to recognize revenue. The current portion of our contract liabilities is reported in Accrued and other liabilities and the noncurrent portion is reported in Other noncurrent liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The contract liabilities from contracts with customers were $116 million and $131 million as of September 30, 2018 and January 1, 2018, respectively.
Of the $131 million of contract liabilities reported at January 1, 2018, $33 million was recognized as revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
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 as of September 30, 2018.
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 September 30, 2018, the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was $16 million, primarily consisting of fixed consideration for the sale of renewable energy credits (RECs) in long-term contracts in the U.S. We expect to recognize revenue on approximately one-quarter of the remaining performance obligations in 2018 and 2019, with the remainder recognized thereafter. The Company has elected to apply the optional disclosure exemptions under ASC 606. Therefore, the amount above excludes contracts with an original length of one year or less, contracts for which we recognize revenue based on the amount we have the right to invoice for services performed, and variable consideration allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation when the consideration relates specifically to our efforts to satisfy the performance obligation and depicts the amount to which we expect to be entitled. As such, consideration for energy is excluded from the amounts above as the variable consideration relates to the amount of energy delivered and reflects the value the Company expects to receive for the energy transferred. Estimates of revenue expected to be recognized in future periods also exclude unexercised customer options to purchase additional goods or services that do not represent material rights to the customer.
v3.10.0.1
Other Income and Expense
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]  
Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSE
Other income generally includes 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 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Other Income
Legal settlements (1)
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
60

 
Allowance for funds used during construction (US Utilities)
1

 
7

 
8

 
20

 
Other
9

 
9

 
22

 
23

 
Total other income
$
10

 
$
16

 
$
30

 
$
103

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Expense
Loss on sale and disposal of assets (2)
$
20

 
$
5

 
$
25

 
$
26

 
Water rights write-off

 
15

 

 
18

 
Allowance for other receivables

 
15

 

 
15

 
Other 
9

 
1

 
17

 
8

 
Total other expense
$
29

 
$
36

 
$
42

 
$
67


_____________________________
(1) 
In December 2016, the Company and YPF entered into a settlement agreement in which all parties agreed to give up any and all legal action related to gas supply contracts that were terminated in 2008 and have been in dispute since 2009. In January 2017, the YPF board approved the agreement and paid the Company $60 million, thereby resolving all uncertainties around the dispute.
(2) 
In September 2018, the Company recorded a $20 million loss due to damage associated with a lightning incident at the Andres facility in the Dominican Republic.
v3.10.0.1
Asset Impairment Expense
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Impairment or Disposal of Tangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
ASSET IMPAIRMENT EXPENSE ASSET IMPAIRMENT EXPENSE
The following table presents our asset impairment expense by asset group for the periods indicated (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
U.S. generation facility
$
73

 
$

 
$
156

 
$

Kazakhstan hydroelectric

 
2

 

 
92

Kazakhstan CHPs

 

 

 
94

DPL

 

 

 
66

Other
1

 

 
10

 
8

Total
$
74

 
$
2

 
$
166

 
$
260


U.S. generation facility — In June 2018, the Company tested the recoverability of its long-lived assets at a generation facility in the U.S. due to an unfavorable economic outlook resulting in uncertainty around future cash flows. The Company determined that the carrying amount of the asset group, including long-lived assets, was not recoverable. The asset group was determined to have a fair value of $127 million as of June 30, 2018 using a combination of the income and market approaches. As a result, the Company recognized an asset impairment expense of $83 million. The generation facility is reported in the US and Utilities SBU reportable segment.
In the third quarter of 2018, as a result of updated assumptions regarding the future use of the assets, management’s expectations of future cash flows for the facility decreased. Given updated inputs, the asset group was determined to have a fair value of $55 million as of September 30, 2018 and additional impairment expense of $73 million was recognized. Given the uncertainty regarding the future use of the asset group, the Company will continue to monitor the economic outlook for the facility on an ongoing basis.
DPL — In March 2017, the Board of Directors of DPL approved the retirement of the DPL operated and co-owned Stuart coal-fired and diesel-fired generating units, and the Killen coal-fired generating unit and combustion turbine on or before June 1, 2018. The Company performed an impairment analysis and determined that the carrying amounts of the facilities were not recoverable. The Stuart and Killen asset groups were determined to have fair values of $3 million and $8 million, respectively, using the income approach. As a result, the Company recognized total asset impairment expense of $66 million. The Stuart and Killen units were retired in May 2018. Prior to their retirement, Stuart and Killen were reported in the US and Utilities SBU reportable segment. See Note 17—Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further information.
Kazakhstan hydroelectric — In April 2017, the Government of Kazakhstan stated the concession agreements would not be extended for Shulbinsk HPP and Ust-Kamenogorsk HPP, two hydroelectric plants in Kazakhstan, and initiated the process to transfer these plants back to the government. The Company performed an impairment analysis and determined that the carrying value of the asset group of $190 million, which included cumulative translation losses of $100 million, was greater than its fair value less costs to sell of $92 million. As a result, the Company recognized asset impairment expense of $92 million limited to the carrying value of the long-lived assets. The Company completed the transfer of the plants in October 2017. Prior to their transfer, the Kazakhstan hydroelectric plants were reported in the Eurasia SBU reportable segment.
Kazakhstan CHPs — In January 2017, the Company entered into an agreement for the sale of Ust-Kamenogorsk CHP and Sogrinsk CHP, its combined heating and power coal plants in Kazakhstan. Upon meeting the held-for-sale criteria in the first quarter of 2017, the Company performed an impairment analysis and determined that the carrying value of the asset group of $171 million, which included cumulative translation losses of $92 million, was greater than its fair value less costs to sell of $29 million. As a result, the Company recognized asset impairment expense of $94 million limited to the carrying value of the long-lived assets. The Company completed the sale of its interest in the Kazakhstan CHP plants in April 2017. Prior to their sale, the plants were reported in the Eurasia SBU reportable segment. See Note 17—Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further information.
v3.10.0.1
Dispositions (Notes)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]  
DISPOSITIONS AND HELD-FOR-SALE BUSINESSES DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Due to a portfolio evaluation in the first half of 2016, management decided to pursue a strategic shift of its distribution companies in Brazil, Sul and Eletropaulo, to reduce the Company's exposure to the Brazilian distribution market. The disposals of Sul and Eletropaulo were completed in October 2016 and June 2018, respectively.
In November 2017, Eletropaulo converted its preferred shares into ordinary shares and transitioned the listing of those shares to the Novo Mercado, which is a listing segment of the Brazilian stock exchange with the highest standards of corporate governance. Upon conversion of the preferred shares into ordinary shares, AES no longer controlled Eletropaulo, but maintained significant influence over the business. As a result, the Company deconsolidated Eletropaulo. After deconsolidation, the Company's 17% ownership interest was reflected as an equity method investment. The Company recorded an after-tax loss on deconsolidation of $611 million, which primarily consisted of $455 million related to cumulative translation losses and $243 million related to pension losses reclassified from AOCL.
In December 2017, all the remaining criteria were met for Eletropaulo to qualify as a discontinued operation. Therefore, its results of operations and financial position were reported as such in the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
In June 2018, the Company completed the sale of its entire 17% ownership interest in Eletropaulo through a bidding process hosted by the Brazilian securities regulator, CVM. Gross proceeds of $340 million were received at our subsidiary in Brazil, subject to the payment of taxes. Upon disposal of Eletropaulo, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of $243 million (after-tax $199 million). Prior to its classification as discontinued operations, Eletropaulo was reported in the South America SBU reportable segment.
The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations at December 31, 2017 (in millions):
 
December 31, 2017
Assets of discontinued operations and held-for-sale businesses:
 
Investments in and advances to affiliates (1)
$
86

Total assets of discontinued operations
$
86

Other assets of businesses classified as held-for-sale (2)
1,948

Total assets of discontinued operations and held-for-sale businesses
$
2,034

Liabilities of discontinued operations and held-for-sale businesses:
 
Other liabilities of businesses classified as held-for-sale (2)
1,033

Total liabilities of discontinued operations and held-for-sale businesses
$
1,033

 _____________________________
(1) 
Represents the Company's 17% ownership interest in Eletropaulo.
(2) 
Electrica Santiago, the DPL Peaker Assets and Masinloc were classified as held-for-sale as of December 31, 2017. See Note 17Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further information.
Excluding the gain on sale, income from discontinued operations and cash flows from operating and investing activities of discontinued operations were immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.
The following table summarizes the major line items constituting income from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in millions):
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Revenue — regulated
$
945

 
$
2,726

Cost of sales
(876
)
 
(2,573
)
Other income and expense items that are not major
(26
)
 
(94
)
Income from discontinued operations
$
43

 
$
59

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(21
)
 
(30
)
Income from discontinued operations attributable to The AES Corporation
$
22

 
$
29

Income tax expense
(17
)
 
(24
)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
5

 
$
5


The following table summarizes the operating and investing cash flows from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Cash flows provided by operating activities of discontinued operations
$
129

 
$
254

Cash flows used in investing activities of discontinued operations
(61
)
 
(181
)
HELD-FOR-SALE AND DISPOSITIONS
Held-for-Sale
Compañia Transmisora del Norte Grande — In June 2018, AES Gener entered into an agreement to sell the transmission lines held by Compañia Transmisora del Norte Grande (“CTNG”) for $220 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The sale is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2018. As of September 30, 2018, CTNG was classified as held-for-sale, but did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. CTNG’s carrying value at September 30, 2018 was $99 million. CTNG is reported in the South America SBU reportable segment. Pre-tax income attributable to AES was immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.
Dispositions
Electrica Santiago — In May 2018, AES Gener completed the sale of Electrica Santiago for total consideration of $287 million, including a contingent liability of $9 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of $69 million after post-closing adjustments. Electrica Santiago consisted of four gas and diesel-fired generation plants in Chile. The sale did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. Prior to its sale, Electrica Santiago was reported in the South America SBU reportable segment.
Stuart and Killen — In May 2018, DPL retired the co-owned Stuart coal-fired and diesel-fired generating units, and the Killen coal-fired generating unit and combustion turbine. Prior to their retirement, Stuart and Killen were reported in the US and Utilities SBU reportable segment. See Note 14—Asset Impairment Expense for further information.
Masinloc — In March 2018, the Company completed the sale of its entire 51% equity interest in Masinloc for cash proceeds of $1.05 billion, resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of $773 million after post-closing adjustments and U.S. tax expense of $155 million. Masinloc consisted of a coal-fired generation plant in operation, a coal-fired generation plant under construction, and an energy storage facility all located in the Philippines. The sale did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. Prior to its sale, Masinloc was reported in the Eurasia SBU reportable segment.
DPL peaker assets — In March 2018, DPL completed the sale of six of its combustion turbine and diesel-fired generation facilities and related assets ("DPL peaker assets") for total proceeds of $239 million, inclusive of estimated working capital and subject to customary post-closing adjustments, resulting in a loss on sale of $2 million. The sale did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. Prior to their sale, the DPL peaker assets were reported in the US and Utilities SBU reportable segment.
Beckjord facility — In February 2018, DPL transferred its interest in Beckjord, a coal-fired generation facility retired in 2014, including its obligations to remediate the facility and its site. The transfer resulted in cash expenditures of $15 million, inclusive of disposal charges, and a loss on disposal of $12 million. Prior to the transfer, Beckjord was reported in the US and Utilities SBU reportable segment.
Advancion Energy Storage — In January 2018, the Company deconsolidated the AES Advancion energy storage development business and contributed it to the Fluence joint venture, resulting in a gain on sale of $23 million. See Note 6—Investments in and Advances to Affiliates for further discussion. Prior to the transfer, the AES Advancion energy storage development business was reported as part of Corporate and Other.
Kazakhstan CHPs In April 2017, the Company completed the sale of Ust-Kamenogorsk CHP and Sogrinsk CHP, its combined heating and power coal plants in Kazakhstan, for net proceeds of $24 million. The Company recognized a pre-tax loss on sale of $48 million, primarily related to cumulative translation losses. The sale did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. Prior to their sale, the Kazakhstan CHP plants were reported in the Eurasia SBU reportable segment. See Note 14—Asset Impairment Expense for further information.
Excluding any impairment charges or gain/loss on sale, pre-tax income attributable to AES of disposed businesses was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Masinloc
$

 
$
26

 
$
9

 
$
78

Stuart and Killen (1)
8

 
9

 
38

 
1

DPL peaker assets

 
11

 
7

 
12

Other

 
2

 
5

 
23

Total
$
8

 
$
48

 
$
59

 
$
114


_____________________________
(1) 
The Company entered into contracts to buy back all open capacity years for Stuart and Killen at prices lower than the PJM capacity revenue prices. As such, the Company continues to earn capacity margin.
v3.10.0.1
Acquisitions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Business Combinations [Abstract]  
Acquisitions ACQUISITIONS
Guaimbê Solar Complex — In September 2018, AES Tietê completed the acquisition of the Guaimbê Solar Complex (“Guaimbê”) from Cobra do Brasil for $152 million, subject to post-closing adjustments, comprised of the exchange of $119 million of non-convertible debentures in project financing and additional cash consideration of $33 million. The transaction was accounted for as an asset acquisition, therefore the consideration transferred, plus transaction costs, were allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values. Any differences arising from post-closing adjustments will be allocated accordingly. Guaimbê is reported in the South America SBU reportable segment.
Alto Sertão II — In August 2017, the Company completed the acquisition of the Alto Sertão II Wind Complex (“Alto Sertão II”) from Renova Energia S.A for $179 million, plus the assumption of $346 million of non-recourse debt. At closing, the Company made a cash payment of $143 million, which excluded holdbacks related to indemnifications. In September 2018, an additional $12 million was paid to settle a portion of the remaining indemnification liability. In the first quarter of 2018, the Company finalized the purchase price allocation related to the acquisition of Alto Sertão II. There were no significant adjustments made to the preliminary purchase price allocation recorded in the third quarter of 2017 when the acquisition was completed. The assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date were recorded at fair value, including a contingent liability for earn-out payments of $18 million, based on the final purchase price allocation at March 31, 2018. Subsequent changes to the fair value of the earn-out payments will be reflected in earnings. Alto Sertão II is reported in the South America
SBU reportable segment.
v3.10.0.1
Earnings Per Share
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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, stock options and convertible securities. The effect of such potential common stock is computed using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, as applicable.
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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, where income represents the numerator and weighted average shares represent the denominator.
Three Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
(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
$
102

 
662

 
$
0.15

 
$
147

 
660

 
$
0.22

EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock units

 
3

 

 

 
3

 

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
$
102

 
665

 
$
0.15

 
$
147

 
663

 
$
0.22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
(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
$
883

 
661

 
$
1.33

 
$
176

 
660

 
$
0.27

EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock units

 
3

 

 

 
2

 

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
$
883

 
664

 
$
1.33

 
$
176

 
662

 
$
0.27



The calculation of diluted earnings per share excluded stock awards and convertible debentures which would be anti-dilutive. The calculation of diluted earnings per share excluded 2 million and 6 million stock awards outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future.
v3.10.0.1
Discontinued Operations and Held for sale businesses (Notes)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]  
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
Due to a portfolio evaluation in the first half of 2016, management decided to pursue a strategic shift of its distribution companies in Brazil, Sul and Eletropaulo, to reduce the Company's exposure to the Brazilian distribution market. The disposals of Sul and Eletropaulo were completed in October 2016 and June 2018, respectively.
In November 2017, Eletropaulo converted its preferred shares into ordinary shares and transitioned the listing of those shares to the Novo Mercado, which is a listing segment of the Brazilian stock exchange with the highest standards of corporate governance. Upon conversion of the preferred shares into ordinary shares, AES no longer controlled Eletropaulo, but maintained significant influence over the business. As a result, the Company deconsolidated Eletropaulo. After deconsolidation, the Company's 17% ownership interest was reflected as an equity method investment. The Company recorded an after-tax loss on deconsolidation of $611 million, which primarily consisted of $455 million related to cumulative translation losses and $243 million related to pension losses reclassified from AOCL.
In December 2017, all the remaining criteria were met for Eletropaulo to qualify as a discontinued operation. Therefore, its results of operations and financial position were reported as such in the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented.
In June 2018, the Company completed the sale of its entire 17% ownership interest in Eletropaulo through a bidding process hosted by the Brazilian securities regulator, CVM. Gross proceeds of $340 million were received at our subsidiary in Brazil, subject to the payment of taxes. Upon disposal of Eletropaulo, the Company recorded a pre-tax gain on sale of $243 million (after-tax $199 million). Prior to its classification as discontinued operations, Eletropaulo was reported in the South America SBU reportable segment.
The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of discontinued operations at December 31, 2017 (in millions):
 
December 31, 2017
Assets of discontinued operations and held-for-sale businesses:
 
Investments in and advances to affiliates (1)
$
86

Total assets of discontinued operations
$
86

Other assets of businesses classified as held-for-sale (2)
1,948

Total assets of discontinued operations and held-for-sale businesses
$
2,034

Liabilities of discontinued operations and held-for-sale businesses:
 
Other liabilities of businesses classified as held-for-sale (2)
1,033

Total liabilities of discontinued operations and held-for-sale businesses
$
1,033

 _____________________________
(1) 
Represents the Company's 17% ownership interest in Eletropaulo.
(2) 
Electrica Santiago, the DPL Peaker Assets and Masinloc were classified as held-for-sale as of December 31, 2017. See Note 17Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further information.
Excluding the gain on sale, income from discontinued operations and cash flows from operating and investing activities of discontinued operations were immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.
The following table summarizes the major line items constituting income from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in millions):
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Revenue — regulated
$
945

 
$
2,726

Cost of sales
(876
)
 
(2,573
)
Other income and expense items that are not major
(26
)
 
(94
)
Income from discontinued operations
$
43

 
$
59

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(21
)
 
(30
)
Income from discontinued operations attributable to The AES Corporation
$
22

 
$
29

Income tax expense
(17
)
 
(24
)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
5

 
$
5


The following table summarizes the operating and investing cash flows from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Cash flows provided by operating activities of discontinued operations
$
129

 
$
254

Cash flows used in investing activities of discontinued operations
(61
)
 
(181
)
HELD-FOR-SALE AND DISPOSITIONS
Held-for-Sale
Compañia Transmisora del Norte Grande — In June 2018, AES Gener entered into an agreement to sell the transmission lines held by Compañia Transmisora del Norte Grande (“CTNG”) for $220 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The sale is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2018. As of September 30, 2018, CTNG was classified as held-for-sale, but did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. CTNG’s carrying value at September 30, 2018 was $99 million. CTNG is reported in the South America SBU reportable segment. Pre-tax income attributable to AES was immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.
Dispositions
Electrica Santiago — In May 2018, AES Gener completed the sale of Electrica Santiago for total consideration of $287 million, including a contingent liability of $9 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of $69 million after post-closing adjustments. Electrica Santiago consisted of four gas and diesel-fired generation plants in Chile. The sale did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. Prior to its sale, Electrica Santiago was reported in the South America SBU reportable segment.
Stuart and Killen — In May 2018, DPL retired the co-owned Stuart coal-fired and diesel-fired generating units, and the Killen coal-fired generating unit and combustion turbine. Prior to their retirement, Stuart and Killen were reported in the US and Utilities SBU reportable segment. See Note 14—Asset Impairment Expense for further information.
Masinloc — In March 2018, the Company completed the sale of its entire 51% equity interest in Masinloc for cash proceeds of $1.05 billion, resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of $773 million after post-closing adjustments and U.S. tax expense of $155 million. Masinloc consisted of a coal-fired generation plant in operation, a coal-fired generation plant under construction, and an energy storage facility all located in the Philippines. The sale did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. Prior to its sale, Masinloc was reported in the Eurasia SBU reportable segment.
DPL peaker assets — In March 2018, DPL completed the sale of six of its combustion turbine and diesel-fired generation facilities and related assets ("DPL peaker assets") for total proceeds of $239 million, inclusive of estimated working capital and subject to customary post-closing adjustments, resulting in a loss on sale of $2 million. The sale did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. Prior to their sale, the DPL peaker assets were reported in the US and Utilities SBU reportable segment.
Beckjord facility — In February 2018, DPL transferred its interest in Beckjord, a coal-fired generation facility retired in 2014, including its obligations to remediate the facility and its site. The transfer resulted in cash expenditures of $15 million, inclusive of disposal charges, and a loss on disposal of $12 million. Prior to the transfer, Beckjord was reported in the US and Utilities SBU reportable segment.
Advancion Energy Storage — In January 2018, the Company deconsolidated the AES Advancion energy storage development business and contributed it to the Fluence joint venture, resulting in a gain on sale of $23 million. See Note 6—Investments in and Advances to Affiliates for further discussion. Prior to the transfer, the AES Advancion energy storage development business was reported as part of Corporate and Other.
Kazakhstan CHPs In April 2017, the Company completed the sale of Ust-Kamenogorsk CHP and Sogrinsk CHP, its combined heating and power coal plants in Kazakhstan, for net proceeds of $24 million. The Company recognized a pre-tax loss on sale of $48 million, primarily related to cumulative translation losses. The sale did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. Prior to their sale, the Kazakhstan CHP plants were reported in the Eurasia SBU reportable segment. See Note 14—Asset Impairment Expense for further information.
Excluding any impairment charges or gain/loss on sale, pre-tax income attributable to AES of disposed businesses was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Masinloc
$

 
$
26

 
$
9

 
$
78

Stuart and Killen (1)
8

 
9

 
38

 
1

DPL peaker assets

 
11

 
7

 
12

Other

 
2

 
5

 
23

Total
$
8

 
$
48

 
$
59

 
$
114


_____________________________
(1) 
The Company entered into contracts to buy back all open capacity years for Stuart and Killen at prices lower than the PJM capacity revenue prices. As such, the Company continues to earn capacity margin.
v3.10.0.1
Income Taxes (Notes)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Income Taxes [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 and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 were 44% and 30%, respectively. The effective tax rates for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 were 31% and 36%, respectively. The difference between the Company’s effective tax rates for the 2018 and 2017 periods and the U.S. statutory tax rates of 21% and 35%, respectively, 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 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“The TCJA”) was enacted on December 22, 2017. The TCJA reduced the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, required companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, and created new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. We are applying the guidance in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) when accounting for the enactment date effect of the TCJA. We recognized a reasonable estimate of the tax effects of the TCJA as of December 31, 2017. In the third quarter of 2018, the Company recorded $33 million of discrete tax expense, increasing the provisional adjustment to the U.S. one-time transition tax to $708 million. However, as of September 30, 2018, our accounting is not complete. Our estimates may also be affected as we gain a more thorough understanding of the TCJA, including proposed regulations released by the U.S. Treasury Department on August 1 related to the one-time transition tax. We expect to complete our analysis of the final impacts of the TCJA in the fourth quarter. For further discussion on the TCJA, see Note 20—Income Taxes in Item 8.—Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of our 2017 Form 10-K.
In the first quarter of 2018, the Company completed the sale of its entire 51% equity interest in Masinloc, resulting in pre-tax gain of approximately $773 million. The sale resulted in approximately $155 million of discrete tax expense in the U.S. under the new GILTI provision, which subjects the earnings of foreign subsidiaries to current U.S. taxation to the extent those earnings exceed an allowable return. See Note 17—Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for details of the sale.
In the second quarter of 2018, the Company completed the sale of Electrica Santiago for total proceeds of $287 million, resulting in a pre-tax gain on sale of $69 million after post-closing adjustments. The sale resulted in approximately $25 million of discrete tax expense. See Note 17—Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for details of the sale.
The impact of foreign currency devaluation in Argentina was approximately $16 million and $38 million of discrete tax expense for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively. The same amounts for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 are $4 million and $8 million, respectively.
v3.10.0.1
Financial Statement Presentation (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]
New Accounting Standards Adopted
ASU Number and Name
Description
Date of Adoption
Effect on the financial statements upon adoption
2017-07, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost
This standard changes the presentation of non-service costs associated with defined benefit plans and updates the guidance so that only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization.
Transition method: retrospective for presentation of non-service cost and prospective for the change in capitalization.
January 1, 2018
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, $2 million and $1 million of gains primarily related to the expected return on plan assets were reclassified from Costs of Sales to Other Expense, respectively.
2017-05, Other Income — Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Topic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets
This standard clarifies the scope and application of ASC 610-20 on the sale, transfer, and derecognition of nonfinancial assets and in substance nonfinancial assets to non-customers, including partial sales. It also provides guidance on how gains and losses on transfers of nonfinancial assets and in substance nonfinancial assets to non-customers are recognized. The standard also clarifies that the derecognition of businesses is under the scope of ASC 810. The standard must be adopted concurrently with ASC 606, however an entity will not have to apply the same transition method as ASC 606.
Transition method: modified retrospective.
January 1, 2018
As more transactions will not meet the definition of a business due to the adoption of ASU 2017-01, more dispositions or partial sales will be out of the scope of ASC 810 and will be under this standard.

2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business
The standard requires an entity to first evaluate whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, and if that threshold is met, the set is not a business. As a second step, at least one substantive process should exist to be considered a business.
Transition method: prospective.
January 1, 2018
Some acquisitions and dispositions will now fall under a different accounting model. This will reduce the number of transactions that are accounted for as business combinations and therefore future acquired goodwill.
2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)
This standard requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows.
Transition method: retrospective.
January 1, 2018
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, cash provided by operating activities increased by $12 million, cash used in investing activities decreased by $327 million, and cash provided by financing activities was unchanged.
2016-01, Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
The standard significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. It also amends certain disclosures of financial instruments.
Transition method: modified retrospective. Prospective for equity investments without readily determinable fair value.
January 1, 2018
No material impact upon adoption of the standard.
2014-09, 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12, 2016-20, 2017-10, 2017-13, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)

See discussion of the ASU below.
January 1, 2018
See impact upon adoption of the standard below.
New Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Effective
ASU Number and Name
Description
Date of Adoption
Effect on the financial statements upon adoption
2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract
This standard aligns the accounting for implementation costs incurred for a cloud computing arrangement that is a service with the requirement for capitalizing implementation costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software.
Transition method: retrospective or prospective.
January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from AOCI
This amendment allows a reclassification of the stranded tax effects resulting from the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from AOCI to retained earnings. Because this amendment only relates to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
The standard updates the hedge accounting model to expand the ability to hedge nonfinancial and financial risk components, reduce complexity, and ease certain documentation and assessment requirements. When facts and circumstances are the same as at the previous quantitative test, a subsequent quantitative effectiveness test is not required. The standard also eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. For cash flow hedges, this means that the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument will be recorded in other comprehensive income and amounts deferred will be reclassified to earnings in the same income statement line as the hedged item.
Transition method: modified retrospective with the cumulative effect adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the initial application date. Prospective for presentation and disclosures.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.

The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Part 1 of this standard changes the classification of certain equity-linked financial instruments when assessing whether the instrument is indexed to an entity’s own stock.
Transition method: retrospective.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2017-08, Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities
This standard shortens the period of amortization for the premium on certain callable debt securities to the earliest call date.
Transition method: modified retrospective.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
This standard simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing the requirement to calculate the implied fair value. Instead, it requires that an entity records an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value.
Transition method: prospective.
January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
The standard updates the impairment model for financial assets measured at amortized cost. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowance for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses as it is done today, except that the losses will be recognized as an allowance rather than a reduction in the amortized cost of the securities.
Transition method: various.
January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted only as of January 1, 2019.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2016-02, 2018-01, 2018-10, 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842)
See discussion of the ASU below.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company will adopt the standard on January 1, 2019; see below for the evaluation of the impact of its adoption on the consolidated financial statements.
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, and cash flows. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, are not necessarily indicative of expected results for the year ending December 31, 2018. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the 2017 audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which are included in the 2017 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2018 (the “2017 Form 10-K”).
Commitments and Contingencies 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.
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. During the first quarter of 2018, the Andes and Brazil SBUs were merged in order to leverage scale and are now reported together as part of the South America SBU. Further, Puerto Rico and El Salvador businesses, formerly part of the MCAC SBU, were combined with the US SBU, which is now reported as the US and Utilities SBU. 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. All prior period results have been retrospectively revised to reflect the new segment reporting structure.
Corporate and Other — The results of the Fluence and Simple Energy equity affiliates are included in “Corporate and Other.” Also included are the results of the AES self-insurance company and 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; (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.
v3.10.0.1
Contingencies and Commitments Contingencies and Commitments (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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.
v3.10.0.1
Segments Segments (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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. During the first quarter of 2018, the Andes and Brazil SBUs were merged in order to leverage scale and are now reported together as part of the South America SBU. Further, Puerto Rico and El Salvador businesses, formerly part of the MCAC SBU, were combined with the US SBU, which is now reported as the US and Utilities SBU. 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. All prior period results have been retrospectively revised to reflect the new segment reporting structure.
Corporate and Other — The results of the Fluence and Simple Energy equity affiliates are included in “Corporate and Other.” Also included are the results of the AES self-insurance company and 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; (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.
v3.10.0.1
Earnings Per Share EPS Policy (Policies)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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, stock options and convertible securities. The effect of such potential common stock is computed using the treasury stock method or the if-converted method, as applicable.
v3.10.0.1
Financial Statement Presentation New Accounting Standards (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]
New Accounting Standards Adopted
ASU Number and Name
Description
Date of Adoption
Effect on the financial statements upon adoption
2017-07, Compensation — Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost
This standard changes the presentation of non-service costs associated with defined benefit plans and updates the guidance so that only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization.
Transition method: retrospective for presentation of non-service cost and prospective for the change in capitalization.
January 1, 2018
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, $2 million and $1 million of gains primarily related to the expected return on plan assets were reclassified from Costs of Sales to Other Expense, respectively.
2017-05, Other Income — Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (Topic 610-20): Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets
This standard clarifies the scope and application of ASC 610-20 on the sale, transfer, and derecognition of nonfinancial assets and in substance nonfinancial assets to non-customers, including partial sales. It also provides guidance on how gains and losses on transfers of nonfinancial assets and in substance nonfinancial assets to non-customers are recognized. The standard also clarifies that the derecognition of businesses is under the scope of ASC 810. The standard must be adopted concurrently with ASC 606, however an entity will not have to apply the same transition method as ASC 606.
Transition method: modified retrospective.
January 1, 2018
As more transactions will not meet the definition of a business due to the adoption of ASU 2017-01, more dispositions or partial sales will be out of the scope of ASC 810 and will be under this standard.

2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business
The standard requires an entity to first evaluate whether substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, and if that threshold is met, the set is not a business. As a second step, at least one substantive process should exist to be considered a business.
Transition method: prospective.
January 1, 2018
Some acquisitions and dispositions will now fall under a different accounting model. This will reduce the number of transactions that are accounted for as business combinations and therefore future acquired goodwill.
2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)
This standard requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows.
Transition method: retrospective.
January 1, 2018
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, cash provided by operating activities increased by $12 million, cash used in investing activities decreased by $327 million, and cash provided by financing activities was unchanged.
2016-01, Financial Instruments — Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
The standard significantly revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. It also amends certain disclosures of financial instruments.
Transition method: modified retrospective. Prospective for equity investments without readily determinable fair value.
January 1, 2018
No material impact upon adoption of the standard.
2014-09, 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12, 2016-20, 2017-10, 2017-13, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)

See discussion of the ASU below.
January 1, 2018
See impact upon adoption of the standard below.
New Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Effective
ASU Number and Name
Description
Date of Adoption
Effect on the financial statements upon adoption
2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract
This standard aligns the accounting for implementation costs incurred for a cloud computing arrangement that is a service with the requirement for capitalizing implementation costs associated with developing or obtaining internal-use software.
Transition method: retrospective or prospective.
January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2018-02, Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from AOCI
This amendment allows a reclassification of the stranded tax effects resulting from the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from AOCI to retained earnings. Because this amendment only relates to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not affected.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
The standard updates the hedge accounting model to expand the ability to hedge nonfinancial and financial risk components, reduce complexity, and ease certain documentation and assessment requirements. When facts and circumstances are the same as at the previous quantitative test, a subsequent quantitative effectiveness test is not required. The standard also eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness. For cash flow hedges, this means that the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument will be recorded in other comprehensive income and amounts deferred will be reclassified to earnings in the same income statement line as the hedged item.
Transition method: modified retrospective with the cumulative effect adjustment recorded to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the initial application date. Prospective for presentation and disclosures.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.

The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2017-11, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260); Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480); Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments and Certain Mandatorily Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
Part 1 of this standard changes the classification of certain equity-linked financial instruments when assessing whether the instrument is indexed to an entity’s own stock.
Transition method: retrospective.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2017-08, Receivables — Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities
This standard shortens the period of amortization for the premium on certain callable debt securities to the earliest call date.
Transition method: modified retrospective.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
This standard simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing the requirement to calculate the implied fair value. Instead, it requires that an entity records an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value.
Transition method: prospective.
January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
The standard updates the impairment model for financial assets measured at amortized cost. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, entities will be required to use a new forward-looking "expected loss" model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowance for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, entities will measure credit losses as it is done today, except that the losses will be recognized as an allowance rather than a reduction in the amortized cost of the securities.
Transition method: various.
January 1, 2020. Early adoption is permitted only as of January 1, 2019.
The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the standard on its consolidated financial statements.
2016-02, 2018-01, 2018-10, 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842)
See discussion of the ASU below.
January 1, 2019. Early adoption is permitted.
The Company will adopt the standard on January 1, 2019; see below for the evaluation of the impact of its adoption on the consolidated financial statements.
v3.10.0.1
Financial Statement Presentation Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,187

 
$
949

Restricted cash
441

 
274

Debt service reserves and other deposits
494

 
565

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
$
2,122

 
$
1,788

v3.10.0.1
Financial Statement Presentation Adoption of ASU 606 2018 (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Policy Text Block [Abstract]  
Schedule of Prospective Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements [Table Text Block] The cumulative effect to our January 1, 2018 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet resulting from the adoption of ASC 606 was as follows (in millions):
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
Balance at
December 31, 2017
 
Adjustments Due to ASC 606
 
Balance at
January 1, 2018
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Other current assets
$
630

 
$
61

 
$
691

Deferred income taxes
130

 
(24
)
 
106

Service concession assets, net
1,360

 
(1,360
)
 

Loan receivable

 
1,490

 
1,490

Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deficit
(2,276
)
 
67

 
(2,209
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,876
)
 
19

 
(1,857
)
Noncontrolling interest
2,380

 
81

 
2,461

The impact to our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three and six months ended September 30, 2018 resulting from the adoption of ASC 606 as compared to the previous revenue recognition standard was as follows (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
As Reported
 
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606
 
Adoption Impact
Total revenue
$
2,837

 
$
2,855

 
$
(18
)
Total cost of sales
(2,166
)
 
(2,180
)
 
14

Operating margin
671

 
675

 
(4
)
Interest income
79

 
64

 
15

Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates
332

 
321

 
11

Income tax expense
(146
)
 
(147
)
 
1

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
192

 
180

 
12

NET INCOME
191

 
179

 
12

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION
101

 
89

 
12


 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
As Reported
 
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606
 
Adoption Impact
Total revenue
$
8,114

 
$
8,168

 
$
(54
)
Total cost of sales
(6,187
)
 
(6,227
)
 
40

Operating margin
1,927

 
1,941

 
(14
)
Interest income
231

 
186

 
45

Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates
1,672

 
1,641

 
31

Income tax expense
(509
)
 
(509
)
 

INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
1,194

 
1,163

 
31

NET INCOME
1,384

 
1,353

 
31

NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION
1,075

 
1,044

 
31

The impact to our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018 resulting from the adoption of ASC 606 as compared to the previous revenue recognition standard was as follows (in millions):
 
September 30, 2018
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
As Reported
 
Balances Without Adoption of ASC 606
 
Adoption Impact
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Other current assets
$
706

 
$
641

 
$
65

Deferred income taxes
88

 
112

 
(24
)
Service concession assets, net

 
1,287

 
(1,287
)
Loan receivable
1,441

 

 
1,441

TOTAL ASSETS
32,489

 
32,294

 
195

Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deficit
(1,133
)
 
(1,231
)
 
98

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(2,020
)
 
(2,038
)
 
18

Noncontrolling interest
2,404

 
2,325

 
79

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
32,489

 
32,294

 
195

v3.10.0.1
Inventory (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventory Balance By Type The following table summarizes the Company’s inventory balances as of the periods indicated (in millions):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Fuel and other raw materials
$
278

 
$
284

Spare parts and supplies
284

 
278

Total
$
562

 
$
562

v3.10.0.1
Fair Value (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block] The following table presents gross proceeds from the sale of AFS securities during the periods indicated (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Gross proceeds from sale of AFS securities (1)
$
713

 
$
365

 
$
1,127

 
$
1,158

_____________________________
(1) 
Three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 include $119 million non-cash proceeds from non-convertible debentures at Guaimbê Solar Complex. See Note 18—Acquisitions for further information.
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 are determined based on the nature and risk of the security and are consistent with how the Company manages, monitors and measures its marketable securities:
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DEBT SECURITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured debentures
$

 
$
60

 
$

 
$
60

 
$

 
$
207

 
$

 
$
207

Certificates of deposit

 
270

 

 
270

 

 
153

 

 
153

Total debt securities

 
330

 

 
330

 

 
360

 

 
360

EQUITY SECURITIES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mutual funds
21

 
45

 

 
66

 
20

 
52

 

 
72

Other equity securities

 
3

 

 
3

 

 

 

 

Total equity securities
21

 
48

 

 
69

 
20

 
52

 

 
72

DERIVATIVES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives

 
65

 
5

 
70

 

 
15

 

 
15

Cross-currency derivatives

 
26

 

 
26

 

 
29

 

 
29

Foreign currency derivatives

 
22

 
221

 
243

 

 
29

 
240

 
269

Commodity derivatives

 
9

 
8

 
17

 

 
30

 
5

 
35

Total derivatives — assets

 
122

 
234

 
356

 

 
103

 
245

 
348

TOTAL ASSETS
$
21

 
$
500

 
$
234

 
$
755

 
$
20

 
$
515

 
$
245

 
$
780

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DERIVATIVES:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$

 
$
60

 
$
101

 
$
161

 
$

 
$
111

 
$
151

 
$
262

Cross-currency derivatives

 
2

 

 
2

 

 
3

 

 
3

Foreign currency derivatives

 
54

 

 
54

 

 
30

 

 
30

Commodity derivatives

 
4

 

 
4

 

 
19

 
1

 
20

Total derivatives — liabilities

 
120

 
101

 
221

 

 
163

 
152

 
315

TOTAL LIABILITIES
$

 
$
120

 
$
101

 
$
221

 
$

 
$
163

 
$
152

 
$
315

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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 (presented net by type of derivative in millions). Transfers between Level 3 and Level 2 are determined as of the end of the reporting period and principally result from changes in the significance of unobservable inputs used to calculate the credit valuation adjustment.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Interest Rate
 
Foreign Currency
 
Commodity
 
Total
Balance at July 1
$
(111
)
 
$
219

 
$
10

 
$
118

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in other comprehensive income — derivative activity
12

 

 

 
12

Included in regulatory liabilities

 

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Settlements
3

 
2

 

 
5

Balance at September 30
$
(96
)
 
$
221

 
$
8

 
$
133

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
$
1

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
3


Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Interest Rate
 
Foreign Currency
 
Commodity
 
Total
Balance at July 1
$
(195
)
 
$
239

 
$
9

 
$
53

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings
(5
)
 
12

 

 
7

Included in other comprehensive income — derivative activity
(2
)
 

 

 
(2
)
Settlements
10

 
(9
)
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
Balance at September 30
$
(192
)
 
$
242

 
$
6

 
$
56

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
$
(1
)
 
$
3

 
$

 
$
2


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Interest Rate
 
Foreign Currency
 
Commodity
 
Total
Balance at January 1
$
(151
)
 
$
240

 
$
4

 
$
93

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 

Included in earnings
28

 
(3
)
 
1

 
26

Included in other comprehensive income — derivative activity
48

 

 

 
48

Included in regulatory liabilities

 

 
6

 
6

Settlements
12

 
(16
)
 
(3
)
 
(7
)
Transfers of assets/(liabilities), net into Level 3
1

 

 

 
1

Transfers of (assets)/liabilities, net out of Level 3
(34
)
 

 

 
(34
)
Balance at September 30
$
(96
)
 
$
221

 
$
8

 
$
133

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
$
32

 
$
(19
)
 
$
1

 
$
14


Derivative Assets, Significant unobservable inputs
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Interest Rate
 
Foreign Currency
 
Commodity
 
Total
Balance at January 1
$
(179
)
 
$
255

 
$
5

 
$
81

Total realized and unrealized gains (losses):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings
(5
)
 
12

 
(1
)
 
6

Included in other comprehensive income — derivative activity
(29
)
 

 

 
(29
)
Included in regulatory liabilities

 

 
10

 
10

Settlements
28

 
(25
)
 
(8
)
 
(5
)
Transfers of assets/(liabilities), net into Level 3
(7
)
 

 

 
(7
)
Balance at September 30
$
(192
)
 
$
242

 
$
6

 
$
56

Total 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
$

 
$
(12
)
 
$

 
$
(12
)

The following table summarizes the significant unobservable inputs used for Level 3 derivative assets (liabilities) as of September 30, 2018 (in millions, except range amounts):
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
 
Pretax Loss
Nine months ended September 30, 2018
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Equity Method Investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Elsta
09/30/2018
 
$
21

 
$

 
$
16

 
$

 
$
5

Long-lived assets held and used: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. generation facility
09/30/2018
 
185

 

 

 
33

 
156

 
Measurement Date
 
Carrying Amount (1)
 
Fair Value
 
Pretax Loss
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Long-lived assets held and used: (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DPL
02/28/2017
 
$
77

 
$

 
$

 
$
11

 
$
66

Other
02/28/2017
 
15

 

 

 
7

 
8

Held-for-sale businesses: (3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kazakhstan Hydroelectric
06/30/2017
 
190

 

 
92

 

 
92

Kazakhstan
03/31/2017
 
171

 

 
29

 

 
94

_____________________________
(1) 
Represents the carrying values at the dates of initial measurement, before fair value adjustment.
(2) 
See Note 14—Asset Impairment Expense for further information.
(3) 
Per the Company’s policy, pretax loss is limited to the impairment of long-lived assets. Any additional loss will be recognized on completion of the sale. See Note 17—Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further informati
Financial instruments not measured at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets s
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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, but for which fair value is disclosed:
 
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
Accounts receivable — noncurrent (1)
$
105

 
$
224

 
$

 
$

 
$
224

Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt
15,581

 
15,429

 

 
12,699

 
2,730

 
Recourse debt
3,820

 
3,901

 

 
3,901

 

 
 
December 31, 2017
 
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
Accounts receivable — noncurrent (1)
$
163

 
$
217

 
$

 
$
6

 
$
211

Liabilities:
Non-recourse debt
15,340

 
15,890

 

 
13,350

 
2,540

 
Recourse debt
4,630

 
4,920

 

 
4,920

 

_____________________________
(1) 
These amounts primarily relate to amounts due from CAMMESA, the administrator of the wholesale electricity market in Argentina, 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 $14 million and $31 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectivel
v3.10.0.1
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]  
Interest Rate And Cross Currency Derivatives By Type Table The following table presents the Company’s maximum notional (in millions) over the remaining contractual period by type of derivative as of September 30, 2018, regardless of whether they are in qualifying cash flow hedging relationships, and the dates through which the maturities for each type of derivative range:
Derivatives
 
Maximum Notional Translated to USD
 
Latest Maturity
Interest rate (LIBOR and EURIBOR)
 
$
4,499

 
2042
Cross-currency swaps (Chilean Unidad de Fomento and Chilean peso)
 
376

 
2029
Foreign Currency:
 
 
 
 
Argentine peso
 
73

 
2026
Chilean peso
 
334

 
2021
Colombian peso
 
163

 
2020
Brazilian real
 
80

 
2019
Others, primarily with weighted average remaining maturities of a year or less
 
246

 
2021

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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 (in millions):
Fair Value
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets
Designated
 
Not Designated
 
Total
 
Designated
 
Not Designated
 
Total
Interest rate derivatives
$
68

 
$
2

 
$
70

 
$
15

 
$

 
$
15

Cross-currency derivatives
26

 

 
26

 
29

 

 
29

Foreign currency derivatives

 
243

 
243

 
8

 
261

 
269

Commodity derivatives

 
17

 
17

 
5

 
30

 
35

Total assets
$
94

 
$
262

 
$
356

 
$
57

 
$
291

 
$
348

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$
159

 
$
2

 
$
161

 
$
125

 
$
137

 
$
262

Cross-currency derivatives
2

 

 
2

 
3

 

 
3

Foreign currency derivatives
29

 
25

 
54

 
1

 
29

 
30

Commodity derivatives

 
4

 
4

 
9

 
11

 
20

Total liabilities
$
190

 
$
31

 
$
221

 
$
138

 
$
177

 
$
315

 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Fair Value
Assets
 
Liabilities
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Current
$
74

 
$
69

 
$
84

 
$
211

Noncurrent
282

 
152

 
264

 
104

Total
$
356

 
$
221

 
$
348

 
$
315


As of September 30, 2018, all derivative instruments subject to credit risk-related contingent features were in an asset position.
Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2017
Present value of liabilities subject to collateralization
 
 
 
$
15

Cash collateral held by third parties or in escrow
 
 
 
9

 _____________________________
(1) 
Based on the credit rating of certain subsidiaries
Gain Loss In Earnings On Ineffective Portion Of Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges Table The next table presents (in millions) the pre-tax gains (losses) recognized in AOCL and earnings related to all derivative instruments for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Effective portion of cash flow hedges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gains (losses) recognized in AOCL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$
26

 
$
(6
)
 
$
81

 
$
(79
)
Cross-currency derivatives
3

 
12

 
(2
)
 
14

Foreign currency derivatives
(11
)
 
(4
)
 
(44
)
 
(15
)
Commodity derivatives

 
9

 

 
23

Total
$
18

 
$
11

 
$
35

 
$
(57
)
Gains (losses) reclassified from AOCL into earnings
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate derivatives
$
(12
)
 
$
(19
)
 
$
(42
)
 
$
(63
)
Cross-currency derivatives
(8
)
 
14

 
(26
)
 
18

Foreign currency derivatives
(8
)
 
(1
)
 
(9
)
 
(24
)
Commodity derivatives

 
10

 
(5
)
 
13

Total
$
(28
)
 
$
4

 
$
(82
)

$
(56
)
Loss reclassified from AOCL to earnings due to discontinuance of hedge accounting (1)

$

 
$

 
$

 
$
(16
)
Gains (losses) recognized in earnings related to
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ineffective portion of cash flow hedges
$

 
$
4

 
$
(3
)
 
$
4

Not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
(10
)
 
5

 
144

 
(13
)
Commodity derivatives and other
2

 
1

 
33

 
7

Total
$
(8
)
 
$
6

 
$
177

 
$
(6
)
v3.10.0.1
Financing Receivables (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]  
Financing Receivables Table The following table presents financing receivables by country as of the dates indicated (in millions):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Argentina
$
83

 
$
177

Panama
27

 

Other
9

 
17

Total
$
119

 
$
194


v3.10.0.1
Investments In and Advances To Affiliates (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
50%-or-less-Owned Affiliates
2018
 
2017
Revenue
$
734

 
$
532

Operating margin
119

 
91

Net income
36

 
44

v3.10.0.1
Debt (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Non-recourse debt [Table Text Block] During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company’s subsidiaries had the following significant debt transactions:
Subsidiary
 
Transaction Period
 
Issuances
 
Repayments
 
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
Southland
 
Q1, Q2, Q3
 
$
587

 
$

 
$

Tietê
 
Q1
 
385

 
(231
)
 

Alto Maipo
 
Q2
 
104

 

 

DPL
 
Q2
 

 
(106
)
 
(6
)
Gener
 
Q3
 

 
(104
)
 
(7
)
Angamos
 
Q3
 

 
(98
)
 

Debt In Default The current portion of non-recourse debt includes the following subsidiary debt in default as of September 30, 2018 (in millions).
Subsidiary
 
Primary Nature of Default
 
Debt in Default
 
Net Assets
AES Puerto Rico
 
Covenant
 
$
322

 
$
135

AES Ilumina (Puerto Rico)
 
Covenant
 
35

 
17

 
 
 
 
$
357

 
 
v3.10.0.1
Contingencies and Commitments (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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 September 30, 2018. 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 Individual Agreements (in millions)
Guarantees and commitments
 
$
435

 
21

 
<$1 — 68
Letters of credit under the unsecured credit facility
 
348

 
6

 
$2 — 247
Letters of credit under the senior secured credit facility
 
43

 
25

 
<$1 — 14
Asset sale related indemnities (1)
 
27

 
1

 
$27
Total
 
$
853

 
53

 
 

_____________________________
(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.
v3.10.0.1
Redeemable Stocks of Subsidiaries (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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):
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
IPALCO common stock
$
618

 
$
618

Colon quotas (1)
201

 
159

IPL preferred stock
60

 
60

Total redeemable stock of subsidiaries
$
879

 
$
837

v3.10.0.1
Equity (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]  
Schedule of Stockholders Equity The following table is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending equity attributable to stockholders of The AES Corporation, NCI and total equity as of the periods indicated (in millions):
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
The Parent Company Stockholders’ Equity
 
NCI
 
Total Equity
 
The Parent Company Stockholders’ Equity
 
NCI
 
Total Equity
Balance at the beginning of the period
$
2,465

 
$
2,380

 
$
4,845

 
$
2,794

 
$
2,906

 
$
5,700

Net income
1,075

 
309

 
1,384

 
181

 
328

 
509

Total foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax
(232
)
 
72

 
(160
)
 
117

 
10

 
127

Total change in derivative fair value, net of income tax
64

 
35

 
99

 
5

 
3

 
8

Total pension adjustments, net of income tax
5

 

 
5

 
1

 
19

 
20

Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle (1)
87

 
81

 
168

 
31

 

 
31

Fair value adjustment (2)
(4
)
 

 
(4
)
 
(19
)
 

 
(19
)
Disposition of businesses (3)

 
(250
)
 
(250
)
 

 

 

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 
(253
)
 
(253
)
 

 
(261
)
 
(261
)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests

 
6

 
6

 

 
17

 
17

Dividends declared on common stock
(172
)
 

 
(172
)
 
(158
)
 

 
(158
)
Issuance and exercise of stock-based compensation
18

 

 
18

 
12

 

 
12

Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests
(1
)
 
21

 
20

 
22

 
47

 
69

Acquisition of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests

 

 

 
200

 
(85
)
 
115

Less: Net loss attributable to redeemable stock of subsidiaries

 
3

 
3

 

 
9

 
9

Balance at the end of the period
$
3,305

 
$
2,404

 
$
5,709

 
$
3,186

 
$
2,993

 
$
6,179


_____________________________
(1)  
See Note 1—Financial Statement Presentation, New Accounting Standards Adopted for further information.
(2)  
Adjustment to record the redeemable stock of Colon at fair value.
Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The following table summarizes the changes in AOCL by component, net of tax and NCI, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 (in millions):
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net
 
Unrealized derivative gains (losses), net
 
Unfunded pension obligations, net
 
Total
Balance at the beginning of the period
$
(1,486
)
 
$
(333
)
 
$
(57
)
 
$
(1,876
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
(231
)
 
9

 

 
(222
)
Amount reclassified to earnings
(1
)
 
55

 
5

 
59

Other comprehensive income (loss)
(232
)
 
64

 
5

 
(163
)
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle

 
19

 

 
19

Balance at the end of the period
$
(1,718
)
 
$
(250
)
 
$
(52
)
 
$
(2,020
)
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 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net
 
 
 
 
Gain (loss) on disposal and sale of businesses
 
$
3

 
$

 
$
19

 
$
(98
)
 
 
Net gain from disposal of discontinued businesses
 

 

 
(18
)
 
$

 
 
Net income attributable to The AES Corporation
 
$
3

 
$

 
$
1

 
$
(98
)
Unrealized derivative gains (losses), net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-regulated revenue
 
$
(1
)
 
$
12

 
$
(6
)
 
$
22

 
 
Non-regulated cost of sales
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
 
$
(3
)
 
(11
)
 
 
Interest expense
 
(11
)
 
(20
)
 
$
(38
)
 
(63
)
 
 
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses)
 
(15
)
 
14

 
$
(35
)
 
(4
)
 
 
Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates
 
(28
)
 
4

 
(82
)
 
(56
)
 
 
Income tax expense
 
7

 
(5
)
 
15

 
6

 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
(21
)
 
(1
)
 
(67
)
 
(50
)
 
 
Less: Income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable stock of subsidiaries
 
1

 
1

 
12

 
10

 
 
Net income attributable to The AES Corporation
 
$
(20
)
 
$

 
$
(55
)
 
$
(40
)
Amortization of defined benefit pension actuarial loss, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expenses
 
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$
1

 
 
Other expense
 

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
 
Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 

 
 
Income from continuing operations
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(3
)
 

 
 
Net income (loss) from operations of discontinued businesses
 

 
(6
)
 

 
(20
)
 
 
Net gain from disposal of discontinued operations
 

 

 
(2
)
 

 
 
Net income
 
(1
)
 
(7
)
 
(5
)
 
(20
)
 
 
Less: Loss (income) from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interest
 

 
6

 

 
16

 
 
Net income attributable to The AES Corporation
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(5
)
 
$
(4
)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of income tax and noncontrolling interests
 
$
(18
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(59
)
 
$
(142
)
v3.10.0.1
Segments (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Revenue By Segment Table The following tables present financial information by segment for the periods indicated (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Total Revenue
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
US and Utilities SBU
$
1,230

 
$
1,086

 
$
3,252

 
$
3,179

South America SBU
923

 
834

 
2,664

 
2,377

MCAC SBU
462

 
397

 
1,276

 
1,120

Eurasia SBU
224

 
380

 
935

 
1,204

Corporate and Other
7

 
9

 
21

 
29

Eliminations
(9
)
 
(13
)
 
(34
)
 
(22
)
Total Revenue
$
2,837

 
$
2,693

 
$
8,114

 
$
7,887


Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Total Adjusted PTC
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Income from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates
$
332

 
$
304

 
$
1,672

 
$
687

Add: Net equity in earnings of affiliates
6

 
24

 
31

 
33

Less: Income from continuing operations before taxes, attributable to noncontrolling interests
(116
)
 
(112
)
 
(409
)
 
(405
)
Pre-tax contribution
222

 
216

 
1,294

 
315

Unrealized derivative and equity securities losses (gains)
16

 
(8
)
 
4

 
(7
)
Unrealized foreign currency losses (gains)
(7
)
 
(21
)
 
42

 
(54
)
Disposition/acquisition losses (gains)
17

 
1

 
(822
)
 
109

Impairment expense
80

 
2

 
172

 
264

Losses (gains) on extinguishment of debt
(1
)
 
48

 
177

 
43

Restructuring costs

 

 
3

 

Total Adjusted PTC
$
327

 
$
238

 
$
870

 
$
670


 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Total Adjusted PTC
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
US and Utilities SBU
$
167

 
$
138

 
$
363

 
$
288

South America SBU
128

 
67

 
381

 
289

MCAC SBU
81

 
91

 
215

 
209

Eurasia SBU
37

 
61

 
175

 
218

Corporate, Other and Eliminations
(86
)
 
(119
)
 
(264
)
 
(334
)
Total Adjusted PTC
$
327

 
$
238

 
$
870

 
$
670


Total Assets
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
US and Utilities SBU
$
11,971

 
$
11,297

South America SBU
11,049

 
10,874

MCAC SBU
4,477

 
4,087

Eurasia SBU
4,588

 
4,557

Assets held-for-sale
111

 
2,034

Corporate and Other
293

 
263

Total Assets
$
32,489

 
$
33,112

v3.10.0.1
Revenue (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Revenue from Contracts with Customers [Abstract]  
Revenue, Practical Expedient, Remaining Performance Obligation, Description The Company has elected to apply the optional disclosure exemptions under ASC 606. Therefore, the amount above excludes contracts with an original length of one year or less, contracts for which we recognize revenue based on the amount we have the right to invoice for services performed, and variable consideration allocated entirely to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation when the consideration relates specifically to our efforts to satisfy the performance obligation and depicts the amount to which we expect to be entitled. As such, consideration for energy is excluded from the amounts above as the variable consideration relates to the amount of energy delivered and reflects the value the Company expects to receive for the energy transferred. Estimates of revenue expected to be recognized in future periods also exclude unexercised customer options to purchase additional goods or services that do not represent material rights to the customer.
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 September 30, 2018
 
US and Utilities SBU
 
South America SBU
 
MCAC SBU
 
Eurasia SBU
 
Corporate and Other/ Eliminations
 
Total
Regulated Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue from contracts with customers
$
759

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
759

Other regulated revenue
18

 

 

 

 

 
18

Total regulated revenue
$
777

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
777

Non-Regulated Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue from contracts with customers
$
386

 
$
922

 
$
440

 
$
152

 
$
(2
)
 
$
1,898

Other non-regulated revenue (1)
67

 
1

 
22

 
72

 

 
162

Total non-regulated revenue
$
453

 
$
923

 
$
462

 
$
224

 
$
(2
)
 
$
2,060

Total revenue
$
1,230

 
$
923

 
$
462

 
$
224

 
$
(2
)
 
$
2,837


 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
US and Utilities SBU
 
South America SBU
 
MCAC SBU
 
Eurasia SBU
 
Corporate and Other/ Eliminations
 
Total
Regulated Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue from contracts with customers
$
2,176

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,176

Other regulated revenue
39

 

 

 

 

 
39

Total regulated revenue
$
2,215

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,215

Non-Regulated Revenue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue from contracts with customers
$
774

 
$
2,661

 
$
1,211

 
$
701

 
$
(11
)
 
$
5,336

Other non-regulated revenue (1)
263

 
3

 
65

 
234

 
(2
)
 
563

Total non-regulated revenue
$
1,037

 
$
2,664

 
$
1,276

 
$
935

 
$
(13
)
 
$
5,899

Total revenue
$
3,252

 
$
2,664

 
$
1,276

 
$
935

 
$
(13
)
 
$
8,114

v3.10.0.1
Other Income and Expense (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]  
Schedule of other Income and other expense [Table Text Block] Other income generally includes 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 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Other Income
Legal settlements (1)
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
60

 
Allowance for funds used during construction (US Utilities)
1

 
7

 
8

 
20

 
Other
9

 
9

 
22

 
23

 
Total other income
$
10

 
$
16

 
$
30

 
$
103

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Expense
Loss on sale and disposal of assets (2)
$
20

 
$
5

 
$
25

 
$
26

 
Water rights write-off

 
15

 

 
18

 
Allowance for other receivables

 
15

 

 
15

 
Other 
9

 
1

 
17

 
8

 
Total other expense
$
29

 
$
36

 
$
42

 
$
67


_____________________________
(1) 
In December 2016, the Company and YPF entered into a settlement agreement in which all parties agreed to give up any and all legal action related to gas supply contracts that were terminated in 2008 and have been in dispute since 2009. In January 2017, the YPF board approved the agreement and paid the Company $60 million, thereby resolving all uncertainties around the dispute.
(2) 
In September 2018, the Company recorded a $20 million loss due to damage associated with a lightning incident at the Andres facility in the Dominican Republic.
v3.10.0.1
Asset Impairment Expense (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Impairment or Disposal of Tangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Details of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Asset
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
U.S. generation facility
$
73

 
$

 
$
156

 
$

Kazakhstan hydroelectric

 
2

 

 
92

Kazakhstan CHPs

 

 

 
94

DPL

 

 

 
66

Other
1

 

 
10

 
8

Total
$
74

 
$
2

 
$
166

 
$
260

v3.10.0.1
Earnings Per Share (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
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 and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, where income represents the numerator and weighted average shares represent the denominator.
Three Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
(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
$
102

 
662

 
$
0.15

 
$
147

 
660

 
$
0.22

EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock units

 
3

 

 

 
3

 

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
$
102

 
665

 
$
0.15

 
$
147

 
663

 
$
0.22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
(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
$
883

 
661

 
$
1.33

 
$
176

 
660

 
$
0.27

EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted stock units

 
3

 

 

 
2

 

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
$
883

 
664

 
$
1.33

 
$
176

 
662

 
$
0.27

v3.10.0.1
Discontinued Operations and Held for sale businesses (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]  
Disclosure of Long Lived Assets Held-for-sale [Table Text Block] Held-for-Sale Compañia Transmisora del Norte Grande — In June 2018, AES Gener entered into an agreement to sell the transmission lines held by Compañia Transmisora del Norte Grande (“CTNG”) for $220 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The sale is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2018. As of September 30, 2018, CTNG was classified as held-for-sale, but did not meet the criteria to be reported as discontinued operations. CTNG’s carrying value at September 30, 2018 was $99 million. CTNG is reported in the South America SBU reportable segment. Pre-tax income attributable to AES was immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.
Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] The following table summarizes the major line items constituting income from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in millions):
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Revenue — regulated
$
945

 
$
2,726

Cost of sales
(876
)
 
(2,573
)
Other income and expense items that are not major
(26
)
 
(94
)
Income from discontinued operations
$
43

 
$
59

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(21
)
 
(30
)
Income from discontinued operations attributable to The AES Corporation
$
22

 
$
29

Income tax expense
(17
)
 
(24
)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
$
5

 
$
5


The following table summarizes the operating and investing cash flows from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in millions):
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Cash flows provided by operating activities of discontinued operations
$
129

 
$
254

Cash flows used in investing activities of discontinued operations
(61
)
 
(181
)
Excluding any impairment charges or gain/loss on sale, pre-tax income attributable to AES of disposed businesses was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in millions)
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Masinloc
$

 
$
26

 
$
9

 
$
78

Stuart and Killen (1)
8

 
9

 
38

 
1

DPL peaker assets

 
11

 
7

 
12

Other

 
2

 
5

 
23

Total
$
8

 
$
48

 
$
59

 
$
114

v3.10.0.1
Financial Statement Presentation New Accounting Pronouncement Adopted (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Jan. 01, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]              
Total Revenue $ 2,837 $ 2,693 $ 8,114 $ 7,887      
Cost of Goods and Services Sold (2,166) (2,053) (6,187) (6,067)      
Operating margin 671 640 1,927 1,820      
Interest income 79 63 231 185      
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES 332 304 1,672 687      
Income tax expense 146 93 509 246      
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 192 235 1,194 474      
NET INCOME 191 261 1,384 509      
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION 101 152 1,075 181      
Other current assets 706   706   $ 691 $ 630  
Deferred income taxes 88   88   106 130  
Service concession assets, net 0   0   0 1,360  
Loan receivable 1,441   1,441   1,490 0  
TOTAL ASSETS 32,489   32,489     33,112  
Accrued and other liabilities 1,151   1,151     1,232  
Accumulated deficit (1,133)   (1,133)   (2,209) (2,276)  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,020)   (2,020)   (1,857) (1,876)  
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS 2,404   2,404   2,461 2,380  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 32,489   32,489     33,112  
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value (1,187)   (1,187)     (949)  
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current (441)   (441)     (274)  
Other Restricted Assets, Noncurrent (494)   (494)     (565)  
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents 2,122 2,298 2,122 2,298   $ 1,788 $ 1,960
ASC 606 Impact [Member]              
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]              
Total Revenue (18)   (54)        
Cost of Goods and Services Sold 14   40        
Operating margin (4)   (14)        
Interest income 15   45        
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES 11   31        
Income tax expense 1   0        
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 12   31        
NET INCOME 12   31        
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION 12   31        
Other current assets 65   65   61    
Deferred income taxes (24)   (24)   (24)    
Service concession assets, net (1,287)   (1,287)   (1,360)    
Loan receivable 1,441   1,441   1,490    
TOTAL ASSETS 195   195        
Accumulated deficit 98   98   67    
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 18   18   19    
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS 79   79   $ 81    
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 195   195        
Balance Without the Adoption of ASC 606 [Member]              
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]              
Total Revenue 2,855   8,168        
Cost of Goods and Services Sold (2,180)   (6,227)        
Operating margin 675   1,941        
Interest income 64   186        
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES 321   1,641        
Income tax expense (147)   (509)        
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 180   1,163        
NET INCOME 179   1,353        
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION 89   1,044        
Other current assets 641   641        
Deferred income taxes 112   112        
Service concession assets, net 1,287   1,287        
Loan receivable 0   0        
TOTAL ASSETS 32,294   32,294        
Accumulated deficit (1,231)   (1,231)        
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (2,038)   (2,038)        
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS 2,325   2,325        
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 32,294   $ 32,294        
Accounting Standard Update 2016-09 [Member]              
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]              
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets   327   327      
Inc (Dec) in Cash provided by Operating Actitvities [Domain] | Accounting Standard Update 2016-09 [Member]              
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]              
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets   12   12      
Dec (Inc) In Net Cash Used by Financing Activities [Domain] | Accounting Standard Update 2016-09 [Member]              
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]              
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets   $ 0   $ 0      
Other Expense [Member] | Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member]              
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]              
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Description of Prior-period Information Retrospectively Adjusted   2   1      
v3.10.0.1
Inventory (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]    
Fuel and other raw materials $ 278 $ 284
Spare parts and supplies 284 278
Total $ 562 $ 562
v3.10.0.1
Fair Value (Recurring Measurements) (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]                
Other Asset Impairment Charges $ 74 $ 2 $ 166 $ 260        
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs 133 56 133 56 $ 118 $ 93 $ 53 $ 81
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value 755   755     780    
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 221   221     315    
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings   7 26 6        
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements 5 (2) (7) (5)        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3     (1) (7)        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3     (34)          
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease) 3 2 14 (12)        
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities (2)   6 10        
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 (96) (192) (96) (192) (111) (151) (195) (179)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings   (5) 28 (5)        
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements 3 10 12 28        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3     (1) (7)        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3     (34)          
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease) 1 (1) 32 0        
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities 0   0 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 221 242 221 242 219 240 239 255
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings   12 (3) 12        
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements 2 (9) (16) (25)        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3     0 0        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3     0          
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease) 2 3 (19) (12)        
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities 0   0 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 8 6 8 6 $ 10 4 $ 9 $ 5
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings   0 1 (1)        
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements 0 (3) (3) (8)        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3     0 0        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3     0          
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease) 0 0 1 0        
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities (2)   6 10        
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 21   21     20    
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 0   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 500   500     515    
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 120   120     163    
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 234   234     245    
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 101   101     152    
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 66   66     72    
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 21   21     20    
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 45   45     52    
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   0     0    
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 3   3     0    
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 0   0     0    
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 3   3     0    
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   0     0    
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [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   60     207    
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [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     0    
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [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 60   60     207    
Available-for-sale Securities [Member] | Other Debt Obligations [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     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 270   270     153    
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     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 270   270     153    
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     0    
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 330   330     360    
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     0    
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 330   330     360    
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     0    
Equity 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 69   69     72    
Equity 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 21   21     20    
Equity 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 48   48     52    
Equity 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     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 356   356     348    
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 221   221     315    
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 161   161     262    
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 2   2     3    
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 54   54     30    
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 4   4     20    
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     0    
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 0   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     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     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     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     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 122   122     103    
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 120   120     163    
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 60   60     111    
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 2   2     3    
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 54   54     30    
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 4   4     19    
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 234   234     245    
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability Value 101   101     152    
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 101   101     151    
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 0   0     0    
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     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 0   0     1    
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 70   70     15    
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     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 65   65     15    
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 5   5     0    
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, Asset Value 26   26     29    
Derivative [Member] | Cross 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     0    
Derivative [Member] | Cross 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 26   26     29    
Derivative [Member] | Cross 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 0   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 243   243     269    
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     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 22   22     29    
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 221   221     240    
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 17   17     35    
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     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 9   9     30    
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 8   8     $ 5    
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) 12 (2) 48 (29)        
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) 12 (2) 48 (29)        
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) 0 0 0 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 0 $ 0        
Argentina, Pesos | 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 $ 221   $ 221          
Minimum [Member] | Argentina, Pesos | Foreign currency derivatives [Member]                
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]                
U S Dollar Indexation In Argentina 42.1   42.1          
Maximum [Member] | Argentina, Pesos | Foreign currency derivatives [Member]                
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]                
U S Dollar Indexation In Argentina 166.5   166.5          
Weighted Average [Member] | Argentina, Pesos | Foreign currency derivatives [Member]                
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]                
U S Dollar Indexation In Argentina 99.2   99.2          
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     1.78%          
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     4.38%          
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     3.63%          
v3.10.0.1
Fair Value Investment in Marketable Securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Gain Loss On Marketable Securities        
Other-than-temporary impairment of marketable securities     $ 0  
Gross proceeds from sales of AFS securities $ 713 $ 365 $ 1,127 $ 1,158
v3.10.0.1
Fair Value (Level 3 Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2015
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 $ 133 $ 56 $ 133 $ 56 $ 118 $ 93 $ 53 $ 81
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings   7 26 6        
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 5 (2) (7) (5)        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3     1 7        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3     (34)          
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease) 3 2 14 (12)        
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) 12 (2) 48 (29)        
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 (96) (192) (96) (192) (111) (151) (195) (179)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings   (5) 28 (5)        
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 3 10 12 28        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3     1 7        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3     (34)          
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease) 1 (1) 32 0        
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) 12 (2) 48 (29)        
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 221 242 221 242 219 240 239 255
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings   12 (3) 12        
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 2 (9) (16) (25)        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3     0 0        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3     0          
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease) 2 3 (19) (12)        
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) 0 0 0 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 8 6 8 6 $ 10 $ 4 $ 9 $ 5
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings   0 1 (1)        
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 (3) (3) (8)        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers Into Level 3     0 0        
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Liability, Transfers out of Level 3     0          
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease) 0 0 1 0        
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 $ 0 $ 0        
v3.10.0.1
Fair Value (Quantitative Information) (Details)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
USD ($)
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]            
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs $ 133 $ 118 $ 93 $ 56 $ 53 $ 81
Interest Rate Contract [Member]            
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]            
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs (96) (111) (151) (192) (195) (179)
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]            
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]            
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs 221 219 240 242 239 255
Commodity Contract [Member]            
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]            
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs 8 $ 10 $ 4 $ 6 $ 9 $ 5
Argentina, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]            
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]            
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs $ 221          
Argentina, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Minimum [Member]            
Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs [Abstract]            
Argentine Peso to U.S. Dollar currency exchange rate after 1 year 42.1          
Argentina, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Maximum [Member]            
Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs [Abstract]            
Argentine Peso to U.S. Dollar currency exchange rate after 1 year 166.5          
Argentina, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]            
Fair Value Derivative Assets Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Inputs [Abstract]            
Argentine Peso to U.S. Dollar currency exchange rate after 1 year 99.2          
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Minimum [Member]            
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]            
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring 1.78%          
Measurement Input, Entity Credit Risk [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Maximum [Member]            
Fair Value Inputs Quantitative Information [Line Items]            
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring 4.38%          
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 3.63%          
v3.10.0.1
Fair Value (Nonrecurring Measurements) (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Asset Impairment Charges     $ 172 $ 260  
Other Asset Impairment Charges $ 74 $ 2 166 260  
IPL Subsidiary [Member] | Level 3 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Asset Retirement Obligation 53   53    
Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Other Asset Impairment Charges [1]       66  
Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Other Asset Impairment Charges [1]     156    
Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Other Asset Impairment Charges [1]       8  
Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Kazakhstan Hydro [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Other Asset Impairment Charges [1]       92  
Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Kazakhstan [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Other Asset Impairment Charges [1]       94  
Equity Method Investments [Member] | Elsta [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Other Asset Impairment Charges [1]     5    
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring 55   55   $ 127
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member] | Level 1 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1]   0   0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member] | Level 2 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1]   0   0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member] | Level 3 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1]   11   11  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member] | Level 1 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1] 0   0    
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member] | Level 2 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1] 0   0    
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member] | Level 3 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1] 33   33    
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member] | Level 1 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1]   0   0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member] | Level 2 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1]   0   0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member] | Level 3 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1]   7   7  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Kazakhstan Hydro [Member] | Level 1 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1]   0   0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Kazakhstan Hydro [Member] | Level 2 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1]   92   92  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Kazakhstan Hydro [Member] | Level 3 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1]   0   0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Kazakhstan [Member] | Level 1 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1]   0   0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Kazakhstan [Member] | Level 2 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1]   29   29  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Kazakhstan [Member] | Level 3 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1]   0   0  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1],[2]   77   77  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1],[2] 185   185    
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1],[2]   15   15  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member] | Kazakhstan Hydro [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1],[2]   190   190  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member] | Kazakhstan [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1],[2]   $ 171   $ 171  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Equity Method Investments [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Elsta [Member] | Level 1 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1] 0   0    
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Equity Method Investments [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Elsta [Member] | Level 2 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1] 16   16    
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Equity Method Investments [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Elsta [Member] | Level 3 [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1] 0   0    
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Equity Method Investments [Member] | Carrying Amount [Member] | Elsta [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [1],[2] $ 21   $ 21    
Measurement Input, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring     (1.50%)    
Measurement Input, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Maximum [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring     (3.00%)    
Measurement Input, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Minimum [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring     (1.00%)    
Measurement Input, Operating Margin [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Weighted Average [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring     30.00%    
Measurement Input, Operating Margin [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Maximum [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring     36.00%    
Measurement Input, Operating Margin [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Valuation, Income Approach [Member] | Minimum [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [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] | DPL Subsidiary [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Nonrecurring     9.00%    
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     3.63%    
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     4.38%    
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     1.78%    
Argentina, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Weighted Average [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
U S Dollar Indexation In Argentina 99.2   99.2    
Argentina, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Maximum [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
U S Dollar Indexation In Argentina 166.5   166.5    
Argentina, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Minimum [Member]          
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]          
U S Dollar Indexation In Argentina 42.1   42.1    
[1] .
(2) 
See Note 14—Asset Impairment Expense for further informatio
[2] _
(1) 
Represents the carrying values at the dates of initial measurement, before fair value adjustmen
v3.10.0.1
Fair Value (Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Carrying Amount [Member]    
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Accounts receivable - noncurrent [1] $ 105 $ 163
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Non-recourse debt 15,581 15,340
Recourse debt 3,820 4,630
Fair Value [Member]    
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Value added tax 14 31
Accounts receivable - noncurrent [1] 224 217
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Non-recourse debt 15,429 15,890
Recourse debt 3,901 4,920
Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value [Member]    
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Accounts receivable - noncurrent [1] 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 [1] 0 6
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Non-recourse debt 12,699 13,350
Recourse debt 3,901 4,920
Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value [Member]    
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Accounts receivable - noncurrent [1] 224 211
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]    
Non-recourse debt 2,730 2,540
Recourse debt $ 0 $ 0
[1] These amounts primarily relate to amounts due from CAMMESA, the administrator of the wholesale electricity market in Argentina, 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 $14 million and $31 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectivel
v3.10.0.1
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 1 (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
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) $ 3 $ (12)  
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities $ 0   0 0  
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements (2) 9 16 25  
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability (54)   (54)   $ (30)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease) 2 3 (19) (12)  
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   5 (28) 5  
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities 0   0 0  
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements (3) (10) (12) (28)  
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability (161)   (161)   (262)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease) 1 (1) 32 0  
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Libor and Euribor [Member]          
Derivative Tables [Line Items]          
Derivatives, notional amount 4,499   4,499    
Cross currency derivatives [Member]          
Derivative Tables [Line Items]          
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability (2)   (2)   (3)
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   0 (1) 1  
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities (2)   6 10  
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements 0 3 3 8  
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability (4)   (4)   (20)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease) 0 0 1 0  
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings   (7) (26) (6)  
Fair Value Measurements With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Regulatory Assets Liabilities (2)   6 10  
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements (5) 2 7 5  
Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability (221)   (221)   $ (315)
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Period Increase (Decrease) 3 2 14 (12)  
Unidad de Fomento (funds code) | Cross currency derivatives [Member]          
Derivative Tables [Line Items]          
Derivatives, notional amount 376   376    
Euro EUR [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]          
Derivative Tables [Line Items]          
Derivatives, notional amount 80   80    
Argentina, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]          
Derivative Tables [Line Items]          
Derivatives, notional amount 73   73    
Chile, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]          
Derivative Tables [Line Items]          
Derivatives, notional amount 334   334    
Colombia, Pesos | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]          
Derivative Tables [Line Items]          
Derivatives, notional amount 163   163    
Other unspecified currency [Domain] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]          
Derivative Tables [Line Items]          
Derivatives, notional amount 246   246    
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) 0 0 0 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) 12 (2) 48 (29)  
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 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) $ 12 $ (2) $ 48 $ (29)  
v3.10.0.1
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 2 (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross $ 221 $ 315
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 356 348
Other Current Assets [Member]    
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 74 84
Other Current Liabilities [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 69 211
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]    
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 282 264
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 152 104
Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 190 138
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 94 57
Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 31 177
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 262 291
Interest Rate Contract [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 161 262
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 70 15
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 159 125
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 68 15
Interest Rate Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 2 137
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 2 0
Cross currency derivatives [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 2 3
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 26 29
Cross currency derivatives [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 2 3
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 26 29
Cross currency derivatives [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 0 0
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 0 0
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 54 30
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 243 269
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 29 1
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 0 8
Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 25 29
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 243 261
Commodity Contract [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 4 20
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 17 35
Commodity Contract [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 0 9
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross 0 5
Commodity Contract [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instruments [Member]    
Liabilities    
Derivative Liabilities, Gross 4 11
Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Not Offset Against Collateral [Abstract]    
Derivative Assets, Gross $ 17 $ 30
v3.10.0.1
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Part 3 (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]        
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]        
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net $ (28) $ 4 $ (82) $ (56)
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables        
Gain (Losses) Recognized in AOCL 18 11 35 (57)
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings (ineffective portion) 0 4 (3) 4
Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Commodity Contract [Member]        
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]        
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net 0 10 (5) 13
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables        
Gain (Losses) Recognized in AOCL 0 9 0 23
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) (1) (9) (24)
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables        
Gain (Losses) Recognized in AOCL (11) (4) (44) (15)
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 (8) 14 (26) 18
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables        
Gain (Losses) Recognized in AOCL 3 12 (2) 14
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 (66)   (66)  
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net (12) (19) (42) (63)
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables        
Gain (Losses) Recognized in AOCL 26 (6) 81 (79)
Loss on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring 0 0 0 (16)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]        
Gain Loss By Type Of Derivative Tables        
Gains (Losses) Recognized in Earnings (not designated as hedging instruments) (8) 6 177 (6)
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) 2 1 33 7
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) $ (10) $ 5 $ 144 $ (13)
v3.10.0.1
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Credit Risk-Related Contingent Features (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value $ 221 $ 315
Contracts Subject To Netting Arrangements [Member]    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Net Liability Position, Aggregate Fair Value   15
Collateral Already Posted, Aggregate Fair Value   $ 9
v3.10.0.1
Financing Receivables (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Jan. 01, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]            
Financing receivable $ 119   $ 119     $ 194
Argentina [Member]            
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]            
Financing receivable 83   83     177
Other Entity [Member]            
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]            
Financing receivable 9   9     17
PANAMA            
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]            
Financing receivable 27   27     $ 0
Fluence [Member]            
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]            
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired         50.00%  
Other Expense [Member]            
Financing Receivable Recorded Investment [Line Items]            
Allowance for other receivables $ 0 $ 15 $ 0 $ 15    
v3.10.0.1
Investments In and Advances To Affiliates (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Apr. 09, 2018
Jan. 01, 2018
Nov. 15, 2017
Jul. 25, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]                
Revenue         $ 2,837 $ 2,693 $ 8,114 $ 7,887
Operating margin         671 640 1,927 1,820
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments         $ 6 $ 24 31 33
Minority Owned Affiliates [Member]                
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]                
Revenue             734 532
Operating margin             119 91
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest             36 44
Simple Energy [Member]                
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]                
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired $ 35              
sPower [Member]                
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]                
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage     2.00% 48.00%        
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired     $ 19 $ 461        
Fluence [Member]                
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]                
Payments to Acquire Interest in Joint Venture   $ 7            
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired   50.00%            
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred   $ 50            
Non-cash [Member] | Fluence [Member]                
Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Line Items]                
Contribution of Property   $ 20         $ 20 $ 0
v3.10.0.1
Debt - Recourse Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Mar. 01, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt   $ (11) $ (49) $ (187) $ (44)  
7.375% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Redeemed notes $ 276     690    
5.5% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Redeemed notes   671        
5.5% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Redeemed notes   $ 29        
8.0% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Domain]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Redeemed notes $ 24     $ 228 217  
5.125% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Redeemed notes         240  
Senior Notes [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Issued senior notes     517   517  
Senior Notes [Member] | LIBOR 2.00% Senior Notes Due in 2022 [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Issued senior notes     $ 525   $ 525  
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.0% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Domain] [Domain]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Interest rate on senior notes   4.00%   4.00%    
Issued senior notes   $ 500   $ 500    
Senior Notes [Member] | 4.5% Senior Notes Due 2023 [Domain] [Domain]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Interest rate on senior notes   4.50%   4.50%    
Issued senior notes   $ 500   $ 500    
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.5% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Interest rate on senior notes   5.50%   5.50%    
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.5% Senior Notes Due 2025 [Member] [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Interest rate on senior notes   5.50%   5.50%    
Senior Notes [Member] | 8.0% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Domain]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Interest rate on senior notes     8.00%   8.00%  
Senior Notes [Member] | 5.125% Senior Notes Due 2027 [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Interest rate on senior notes     5.125%   5.125%  
Issued senior notes     $ 500   $ 500  
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 7.375% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Member] [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Interest rate on senior notes           7.375%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | 8.0% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Domain]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Interest rate on senior notes           8.00%
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Recourse Debt [Member] | 4.0% Senior Notes Due 2021 [Domain] [Domain]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt       $ (125)    
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Recourse Debt [Member] | 5.5% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt       (44)    
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Recourse Debt [Member] | 8.0% Senior Notes Due 2020 [Domain]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt     (47) $ (36)    
Secured Debt [Member] | Recourse Debt [Member] | LIBOR 2.00% Senior Notes Due in 2022 [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt     $ (6)      
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | LIBOR 2.00% Senior Notes Due in 2022 [Member] | Recourse Debt [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate       2.00%    
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Senior Unsecured Note LIBOR plus 3% due 2019 [Member] | Recourse Debt [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate         3.00%  
v3.10.0.1
Debt - Non-Recourse Debt Narrative (Details)
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Debt defaults at risk of causing cross default   0   0  
Loss on extinguishment of debt   $ 11 $ 49 $ 187 $ 44
Proceeds from Issuance of Debt $ 75        
Nonrecourse Debt [Member] | AES Southland [Domain]          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Loss on extinguishment of debt       0  
Issued new debt   587   587  
Repayments of Long-term Debt       0  
Nonrecourse Debt [Member] | AES Tiete [Domain]          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Loss on extinguishment of debt       0  
Issued new debt   385   385  
Repayments of Long-term Debt       (231)  
Nonrecourse Debt [Member] | Alto Maipo [Member]          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Loss on extinguishment of debt       0  
Issued new debt   104   104  
Repayments of Long-term Debt       0  
Nonrecourse Debt [Member] | Andes - Generation [Member]          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Loss on extinguishment of debt     (65)    
Nonrecourse Debt [Member] | DPL Subsidiary [Member]          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Loss on extinguishment of debt       (6)  
Issued new debt   0   0  
Repayments of Long-term Debt       (106)  
Nonrecourse Debt [Member] | Gener Subsidiary [Member]          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Loss on extinguishment of debt       (7)  
Issued new debt   0   0  
Repayments of Long-term Debt       (104)  
Nonrecourse Debt [Member] | Angamos [Member]          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Loss on extinguishment of debt       0  
Issued new debt   $ 0   0  
Repayments of Long-term Debt       $ (98)  
7.75% Senior Notes Due 2024 [Member] | Nonrecourse Debt [Member] | Andes - Generation [Member]          
Debt Instrument [Line Items]          
Issued new debt     $ 300   $ 300
v3.10.0.1
Debt - Subsidiary Non-recourse Debt in Default or Accelerated (Details)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
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 $ 357
Covenant Violation [Member] | PUERTO RICO  
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]  
Net Assets 135
Debt Default Amount 322
Covenant Violation [Member] | AES llumina [Member]  
Nonrecourse Debt Default [Line Items]  
Net Assets 17
Debt Default Amount $ 35
v3.10.0.1
Contingencies and Commitments (Details)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
agreement
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Guarantees Letters Of Credit [Abstract]    
The range of expiration dates of guarantees made by the Parent Company less than one year to more than 18 years  
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted $ 853  
Number of Agreements | agreement 53  
Environmental Remediation Contingency [Domain]    
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies $ 5 $ 5
Guarantee Obligations [Member]    
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted $ 435  
Number of Agreements | agreement 21  
Indemnification Agreement [Member]    
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted [1] $ 27  
Number of Agreements | agreement [1] 1  
Minimum [Member] | Guarantee Obligations [Member]    
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss $ 1  
Minimum [Member] | Indemnification Agreement [Member]    
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss [1] $ 27  
Minimum [Member] | Standby Letters of Credit [Member]    
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Letter of credit fee percentage paid 1.00%  
Maximum [Member] | Environmental Remediation Contingency [Domain]    
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss $ 16  
Maximum [Member] | Guarantee Obligations [Member]    
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss 68  
Maximum [Member] | Indemnification Agreement [Member]    
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss [1] $ 27  
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 $ 348  
Number of Agreements | agreement 6  
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]    
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss $ 2  
Unsecured Debt [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]    
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss 247  
Secured Debt [Member] | Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]    
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted $ 43  
Number of Agreements | agreement 25  
Secured Debt [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]    
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss $ 1  
Secured Debt [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Financial Standby Letter of Credit [Member]    
Contingent Contractual Obligations [Line Items]    
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss $ 14  
[1] (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.
v3.10.0.1
Contingencies and Commitments - Loss Contingencies (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Environmental Remediation Contingency [Domain]    
Environmental Contingencies    
Liability recorded for projected environmental remediation costs $ 5 $ 5
Litigation [Member]    
Litigation Contingencies    
Aggregate reserves for claims deemed both probable and reasonably estimable 48 $ 50
Maximum [Member] | Environmental Remediation Contingency [Domain]    
Litigation Contingencies    
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss ( Equal to or less than) 16  
Maximum [Member] | Litigation [Member]    
Litigation Contingencies    
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss ( Equal to or less than) 127  
Minimum [Member] | Litigation [Member]    
Litigation Contingencies    
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss ( Equal to or less than) $ 99  
v3.10.0.1
Redeemable Stocks of Subsidiaries (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Temporary Equity [Line Items]      
Temporary Equity, Other Charges [1] $ (4) $ (19)  
Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 879   $ 837
Temporary Equity, Net Income 3 9  
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest 20 69  
Colon [Domain]      
Temporary Equity [Line Items]      
Temporary Equity, Other Charges 34 30  
Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests [2] 201   159
IPALCO Enterprises, Inc. [Member]      
Temporary Equity [Line Items]      
Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 618   618
IPL Subsidiary [Member]      
Temporary Equity [Line Items]      
Temporary Equity, Carrying Amount, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 60   $ 60
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]      
Temporary Equity [Line Items]      
Temporary Equity, Other Charges [1] 0 0  
Temporary Equity, Net Income 3 9  
Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest $ 21 $ 47  
[1] Adjustment to record the redeemable stock of Colon at fair value.
[2] (1) Characteristics of quotas are similar to common stock.
v3.10.0.1
Equity (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Jan. 01, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Changes In Equity Disclosure [Line Items]              
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax     $ (222,000,000)        
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent $ 3,305,000,000   3,305,000,000     $ 2,465,000,000  
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Beginning Balance     4,845,000,000 $ 5,700,000,000      
Net income 191,000,000 $ 261,000,000 1,384,000,000 509,000,000      
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 90,000,000 88,000,000 311,000,000 298,000,000      
Total foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax (45,000,000) 80,000,000 (160,000,000) 127,000,000      
Total change in derivative fair value, net of income tax 36,000,000 6,000,000 99,000,000 8,000,000      
Total pension adjustments, net of income tax 1,000,000 7,000,000 5,000,000 20,000,000      
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle (1) [1] 168,000,000 31,000,000 168,000,000 31,000,000      
Temporary Equity, Other Changes [2]     (4,000,000) (19,000,000)      
Contributions from noncontrolling interests     6,000,000 17,000,000      
Distributions to noncontrolling interests     (253,000,000) (261,000,000)      
Disposition of businesses (3) [3]     (250,000,000) 0      
Issuance and exercise of stock-based compensation     18,000,000 12,000,000      
Dividends declared on common stock     (172,000,000) (158,000,000)      
Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests     20,000,000 69,000,000      
Acquisition of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests     0 115,000,000      
Temporary Equity, Net Income     3,000,000 9,000,000      
Ending Balance 5,709,000,000 6,179,000,000 5,709,000,000 6,179,000,000      
Additional Paid in Capital 8,328,000,000   8,328,000,000     8,501,000,000  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (2,020,000,000)   (2,020,000,000)   $ (1,857,000,000) $ (1,876,000,000)  
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]              
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Total foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax     (232,000,000)        
Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member]              
Changes In Equity Disclosure [Line Items]              
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax     9,000,000        
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]              
Changes In Equity Disclosure [Line Items]              
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax     (231,000,000)        
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]              
Changes In Equity Disclosure [Line Items]              
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax     0        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Total pension adjustments, net of income tax     5,000,000        
Parent [Member]              
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Beginning Balance     2,465,000,000 2,794,000,000      
Net income     1,075,000,000 181,000,000      
Total foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax     (232,000,000) 117,000,000      
Total change in derivative fair value, net of income tax     64,000,000 5,000,000      
Total pension adjustments, net of income tax     5,000,000 1,000,000      
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle (1) [1] 87,000,000 31,000,000 87,000,000 31,000,000      
Temporary Equity, Other Changes [2]     (4,000,000) (19,000,000)      
Contributions from noncontrolling interests     0 0      
Distributions to noncontrolling interests     0 0      
Disposition of businesses (3) [3]     0 0      
Issuance and exercise of stock-based compensation     18,000,000 12,000,000      
Dividends declared on common stock     (172,000,000) (158,000,000)      
Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests     (1,000,000) 22,000,000      
Acquisition of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests     0 200,000,000      
Temporary Equity, Net Income     0 0      
Ending Balance 3,305,000,000 3,186,000,000 3,305,000,000 3,186,000,000      
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]              
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Beginning Balance     2,380,000,000 2,906,000,000      
Net income     309,000,000 328,000,000      
Total foreign currency translation adjustment, net of income tax     72,000,000 10,000,000      
Total change in derivative fair value, net of income tax     35,000,000 3,000,000      
Total pension adjustments, net of income tax     0 19,000,000      
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle (1) [1] 81,000,000 0 81,000,000 0      
Temporary Equity, Other Changes [2]     0 0      
Contributions from noncontrolling interests     6,000,000 17,000,000      
Distributions to noncontrolling interests     (253,000,000) (261,000,000)      
Disposition of businesses (3) [3]     (250,000,000) 0      
Issuance and exercise of stock-based compensation     0 0      
Dividends declared on common stock     0 0      
Sale of subsidiary shares to noncontrolling interests     21,000,000 47,000,000      
Acquisition of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interests     0 (85,000,000)      
Temporary Equity, Net Income     3,000,000 9,000,000      
Ending Balance $ 2,404,000,000 $ 2,993,000,000 $ 2,404,000,000 $ 2,993,000,000      
Alto Maipo [Member]              
Changes In Equity Disclosure [Line Items]              
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent             $ 196,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]              
Additional Paid in Capital             229,000,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax             $ (33,000,000)
[1] See Note 1—Financial Statement Presentation, New Accounting Standards Adopted for further information.
[2] Adjustment to record the redeemable stock of Colon at fair value.
[3] See Note 17—Held-for-Sale and Dispositions for further information.
v3.10.0.1
Equity Equity Transactions with Noncontrolling Interests (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 28, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Jan. 01, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]                
Additional Paid in Capital   $ 8,328,000,000     $ 8,328,000,000     $ 8,501,000,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax   (2,020,000,000)     (2,020,000,000)   $ (1,857,000,000) (1,876,000,000)
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent   3,305,000,000     3,305,000,000     $ 2,465,000,000
Loss (gain) on disposal and sale of businesses   $ (21,000,000) $ (1,000,000)   $ 856,000,000 $ (49,000,000)    
Dominican Republic [Member]                
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]                
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners     5.00%     5.00%    
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses $ 60,000,000              
Gain on Disposition of Stock in Subsidiary, Recorded to APIC           $ 25,000,000    
Loss (gain) on disposal and sale of businesses           $ 0    
Alto Maipo [Member]                
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]                
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired       40.00%        
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent       62.00%        
Additional Paid in Capital       $ 229,000,000        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax       $ (33,000,000)        
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners       6.70%        
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent       $ 196,000,000        
Loss (gain) on disposal and sale of businesses       $ 0        
v3.10.0.1
Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Jan. 01, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]              
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) $ (1,133,000,000)   $ (1,133,000,000)   $ (2,209,000,000) $ (2,276,000,000)  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent     (163,000,000)        
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (8,000,000) $ 93,000,000 (56,000,000) $ 155,000,000      
Unfunded pension obligation, Net of Tax (52,000,000)   (52,000,000)     (57,000,000)  
Foreign currency translation adjustment, Net of Tax (1,718,000,000)   (1,718,000,000)     (1,486,000,000)  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax (2,020,000,000)   (2,020,000,000)   (1,857,000,000) (1,876,000,000)  
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax     (222,000,000)        
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax (250,000,000)   (250,000,000)     $ (333,000,000)  
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax     59,000,000        
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax (45,000,000) 80,000,000 (160,000,000) 127,000,000      
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax 15,000,000 5,000,000 32,000,000 (42,000,000)      
Total pension adjustments, net of income tax 1,000,000 $ 7,000,000 5,000,000 $ 20,000,000      
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]              
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]              
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax     (232,000,000)        
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     9,000,000        
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax     55,000,000        
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax     64,000,000        
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     5,000,000        
Total pension adjustments, net of income tax     5,000,000        
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]              
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]              
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax     (231,000,000)        
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax     (1,000,000)        
Alto Maipo [Member]              
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]              
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax             $ (33,000,000)
ASC 606 Impact [Member]              
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]              
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) 98,000,000   98,000,000   67,000,000    
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax $ 18,000,000   18,000,000   $ 19,000,000    
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax     19,000,000        
ASC 606 Impact [Member] | 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     19,000,000        
ASC 606 Impact [Member] | Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]              
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]              
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax     $ 0        
v3.10.0.1
Equity Reclassifications Out of AOCL (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]        
Non-regulated cost of sales $ (2,166) $ (2,053) $ (6,187) $ (6,067)
General and Administrative Expense (43) (52) (134) (155)
Other Expenses (29) (36) (42) (67)
Interest expense (255) (297) (799) (860)
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) 5 22 (44) 14
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES 332 304 1,672 687
Income tax expense (146) (93) (509) (246)
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments 6 24 31 33
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 192 235 1,194 474
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax (4) 26 (9) 35
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax 3 0 199 0
Net income 191 261 1,384 509
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 0 (21) 2 (30)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION 101 152 1,075 181
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax     59  
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business 21 1 (856) 49
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 (18) (1) (59) (142)
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     (1)  
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] | Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]        
Reclassifications Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]        
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax 0 0 (18) 0
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION 3 0 1 (98)
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business 3 0 19 (98)
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]        
General and Administrative Expense (1) 0 (2) 1
Other Expenses 0 (1) (1) (1)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES (1) (1) (3) 0
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (1) (1) (3) 0
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, Net of Tax 0 (6) 0 (20)
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax 0 0 (2) 0
Net income (1) (7) (5) (20)
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 revenue (1) 12 (6) 22
Non-regulated cost of sales 1 2 3 11
Interest expense 11 20 38 63
Foreign currency transaction gains (losses) (15) 14 (35) (4)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE TAXES AND EQUITY IN EARNINGS OF AFFILIATES (28) 4 (82) (56)
Income tax expense 7 (5) 15 6
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (21) (1) (67) (50)
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: Net income from continuing operations attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable stock of subsidiaries 1 1 12 10
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     55  
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 (20) 0 (55) (40)
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     5  
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]        
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 0 6 0 16
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE AES CORPORATION $ (1) $ (1) $ (5) $ (4)
v3.10.0.1
Equity Common Stock Dividends (Details) - $ / shares
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Oct. 05, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid   $ 0.13 $ 0.13 $ 0.13      
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared   $ 0.13     $ 0.12 $ 0.26 $ 0.24
Scenario, Forecast [Member]              
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared $ 0.13            
v3.10.0.1
Segments (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
segment
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]          
Number of strategic business units | segment     4    
Number of reportable segments | segment     4    
Revenue          
Total Revenue $ 2,837 $ 2,693 $ 8,114 $ 7,887  
Adjusted PTC          
Adjusted Pretax Contribution 327 238 870 670  
Reconciliation To Income From Continuing Operations Before Taxes          
Unrealized derivative losses (gains) 16 (8) 4 (7)  
Unrealized foreign currency transaction losses (gains) (7) (21) 42 (54)  
Disposition/acquisition losses (gains) 17 1 (822) 109  
Impairment losses 80 2 172 264  
Extinguishment of debt losses (gains) (1) 48 177 43  
Pretax contribution 222 216 1,294 315  
Net equity in earnings of affiliates 6 24 31 33  
Less: Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes, attributable to noncontrolling interests (116) (112) (409) (405)  
Income (loss) from continuing operations before taxes and equity in earnings of affiliates 332 304 1,672 687  
Restructuring Costs 0 0 3 0  
Assets          
Total Assets 32,489   32,489   $ 33,112
Operating Segments [Member]          
Revenue          
Total Revenue 2,837 2,693 8,114 7,887  
Adjusted PTC          
Adjusted Pretax Contribution 327 238 870 670  
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]          
Revenue          
Total Revenue (9) (13) (34) (22)  
US and Utilities [Domain]          
Revenue          
Total Revenue 1,230   3,252    
Assets          
Total Assets 11,971   11,971   11,297
US and Utilities [Domain] | Operating Segments [Member]          
Revenue          
Total Revenue 1,230 1,086 3,252 3,179  
Adjusted PTC          
Adjusted Pretax Contribution 167 138 363 288  
MCAC [Member]          
Revenue          
Total Revenue 462   1,276    
Assets          
Total Assets 4,477   4,477   4,087
MCAC [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]          
Revenue          
Total Revenue 462 397 1,276 1,120  
Adjusted PTC          
Adjusted Pretax Contribution 81 91 215 209  
EURASIA [Member]          
Revenue          
Total Revenue 224   935    
Assets          
Total Assets 4,588   4,588   4,557
EURASIA [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]          
Revenue          
Total Revenue 224 380 935 1,204  
Adjusted PTC          
Adjusted Pretax Contribution 37 61 175 218  
Corporate Other And Other Eliminations [Member]          
Revenue          
Total Revenue (2)   (13)    
Assets          
Total Assets 293   293   263
Corporate Other And Other Eliminations [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]          
Revenue          
Total Revenue 7 9 21 29  
Adjusted PTC          
Adjusted Pretax Contribution (86) (119) (264) (334)  
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]          
Assets          
Total Assets 111   111   2,034
South America [Member]          
Revenue          
Total Revenue 923   2,664    
Assets          
Total Assets 11,049   11,049   $ 10,874
South America [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]          
Revenue          
Total Revenue 923 834 2,664 2,377  
Adjusted PTC          
Adjusted Pretax Contribution $ 128 $ 67 $ 381 $ 289  
v3.10.0.1
Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Revenues $ 2,837 $ 2,693 $ 8,114 $ 7,887
Regulated Revenue [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax 759   2,176  
Other non-606 revenue 18   39  
Revenues 777   2,215  
Non-regulated revenue [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax 1,898   5,336  
Other non-606 revenue 162   563  
Revenues 2,060   5,899  
US and Utilities [Domain]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Revenues 1,230   3,252  
US and Utilities [Domain] | Regulated Revenue [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax 759   2,176  
Other non-606 revenue 18   39  
Revenues 777   2,215  
US and Utilities [Domain] | Non-regulated revenue [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax 386   774  
Other non-606 revenue 67   263  
Revenues 453   1,037  
South America [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Revenues 923   2,664  
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  
Revenues 0   0  
South America [Member] | Non-regulated revenue [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax 922   2,661  
Other non-606 revenue 1   3  
Revenues 923   2,664  
MCAC [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Revenues 462   1,276  
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  
Revenues 0   0  
MCAC [Member] | Non-regulated revenue [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax 440   1,211  
Other non-606 revenue 22   65  
Revenues 462   1,276  
Eurasia - Generation [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Revenues 224   935  
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  
Revenues 0   0  
Eurasia - Generation [Member] | Non-regulated revenue [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax 152   701  
Other non-606 revenue 72   234  
Revenues 224   935  
Corporate Other And Other Eliminations [Member]        
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]        
Revenues (2)   (13)  
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  
Revenues 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)   (11)  
Other non-606 revenue 0   (2)  
Revenues $ (2)   $ (13)  
v3.10.0.1
Revenue Contract Balances (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Jan. 01, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]      
Contract with Customer, Liability $ 116 $ 131  
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized 33    
Loan receivable $ 1,441 $ 1,490 $ 0
v3.10.0.1
Revenue Remaining Performance Obligations (Details)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Remaining Performance Obligations [Abstract]  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount $ 16
v3.10.0.1
Other Income and Expense - Other Income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income [Line Items]        
Other income $ 10 $ 16 $ 30 $ 103
Other Income [Member]        
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income [Line Items]        
Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded from Other Party [1] 0 0 0 60
Public Utilities, Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Additions 1 7 8 20
Other Nonoperating Income 9 9 22 23
Other income $ 10 $ 16 $ 30 $ 103
[1] (1) In December 2016, the Company and YPF entered into a settlement agreement in which all parties agreed to give up any and all legal action related to gas supply contracts that were terminated in 2008 and have been in dispute since 2009. In January 2017, the YPF board approved the agreement and paid the Company $60 million, thereby resolving all uncertainties around the dispute.
v3.10.0.1
Other Income and Expense - Other Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Schedule of other expense [Line Items]        
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets     $ (23) $ (34)
Other Expenses $ 29 $ 36 42 67
Other Expense [Member]        
Schedule of other expense [Line Items]        
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets 20 5 25 26
Water Rights Write-Off 0 15 0 18
Allowance for other receivables 0 15 0 15
Other Nonoperating Expense 9 1 17 8
Other Expenses $ 29 $ 36 $ 42 $ 67
v3.10.0.1
Asset Impairment Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Asset Impairment Expense [Line Items]            
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use $ 74   $ 2   $ 166 $ 260
US Generation Facility [Member]            
Asset Impairment Expense [Line Items]            
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use 73 $ 83 0   156 0
Kazakhstan Hydro [Member]            
Asset Impairment Expense [Line Items]            
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of 0   2   0 92
Kazakhstan [Member]            
Asset Impairment Expense [Line Items]            
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of 0   0   0 94
DPL Subsidiary [Member]            
Asset Impairment Expense [Line Items]            
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use 0   0   0 66
Other Subsidiaries [Member]            
Asset Impairment Expense [Line Items]            
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use 1   0   10 8
Long Lived Assets Held For Sale [Member] | Kazakhstan Hydro [Member]            
Asset Impairment Expense [Line Items]            
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring     190     190
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)           100
Fair Value Less Costs To Sell     $ 92     $ 92
Long Lived Assets Held For Sale [Member] | Kazakhstan [Member]            
Asset Impairment Expense [Line Items]            
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring       $ 171    
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)       92    
Fair Value Less Costs To Sell       29    
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of       94    
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | US Generation Facility [Member]            
Asset Impairment Expense [Line Items]            
Assets, fair value $ 55 $ 127     $ 55  
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Stuart Station [Member]            
Asset Impairment Expense [Line Items]            
Assets, fair value       3    
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Long Lived Assets Held And Used [Member] | Killen Station [Member]            
Asset Impairment Expense [Line Items]            
Assets, fair value       $ 8    
v3.10.0.1
Dispositions Dispositions (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]          
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use $ 74   $ 2 $ 166 $ 260
Proceeds from the sale of businesses, net of cash and restricted cash sold, and equity method investments       1,796 39
Gain (loss) on disposal and sale of businesses (21)   (1) 856 (49)
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]          
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]          
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of or Held-for-sale, Excluding Discontinued Operations, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax 8   48 59 114
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Electrica Santiago (Gener ESSA) [Member]          
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]          
Proceeds from the sale of businesses, net of cash and restricted cash sold, and equity method investments       287  
Disposal group, consideration, contingent liability 9     9  
Gain (loss) on disposal and sale of businesses       69  
Tax on gain (loss) on disposition of business   $ 25      
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Masinloc Subsidiary [Member]          
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]          
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of or Held-for-sale, Excluding Discontinued Operations, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax 0   26 9 78
Proceeds from the sale of businesses, net of cash and restricted cash sold, and equity method investments       1,050  
Gain (loss) on disposal and sale of businesses       773  
Tax on gain (loss) on disposition of business       155  
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Kazakhstan [Member]          
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]          
Proceeds from the sale of businesses, net of cash and restricted cash sold, and equity method investments         24
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal         (48)
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | DPL Peaking Generation [Domain]          
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]          
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of or Held-for-sale, Excluding Discontinued Operations, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax 8   9 38 1
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | DPL Peaking Generation [Domain]          
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]          
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of or Held-for-sale, Excluding Discontinued Operations, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax 0   11 7 12
Proceeds from the sale of businesses, net of cash and restricted cash sold, and equity method investments       239  
Gain (loss) on disposal and sale of businesses   (2)      
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Beckjord Facility [Member]          
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]          
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal   (12)      
Asset Retirement Obligation, Cash Paid to Settle   (15)      
Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Other Subsidiaries [Member]          
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]          
Income (Loss) from Individually Significant Component Disposed of or Held-for-sale, Excluding Discontinued Operations, Attributable to Parent, before Income Tax 0   2 5 23
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Compania Transmisora del Norte Grande [Member]          
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]          
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring 99     99  
Proceeds from the sale of businesses, net of cash and restricted cash sold, and equity method investments 220        
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Advancion Energy Storage [Member]          
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]          
Gain (loss) on disposal and sale of businesses   $ 23      
Kazakhstan [Member]          
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]          
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of $ 0   $ 0 $ 0 $ 94
v3.10.0.1
Acquisitions (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Jan. 01, 2018
Nov. 15, 2017
Jul. 25, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
sPower [Member]              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired   $ 19 $ 461        
Alto Sertao II [Member]              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred         $ 179    
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired         143    
Non Recourse Debt Total         $ 346    
Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Financing Activities       $ 12      
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability             $ 18
Fluence [Member]              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred $ 50            
Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired 50.00%            
Bauru Solar Complex [Member]              
Business Acquisition [Line Items]              
Asset Acquisition, Purchase Price           $ 152  
Project Financing Disbursed           119  
Asset Acquisition, Consideration Transferred           $ 33  
v3.10.0.1
Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE        
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders (Income) $ 102 $ 147 $ 883 $ 176
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders (Shares) 662 660 661 660
Income from continuing operations attributable to The AES Corporation common stockholders, net of tax $ 0.15 $ 0.22 $ 1.33 $ 0.27
EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES        
Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Options and Restrictive Stock Units $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Restricted stock units (Shares) 3 3 3 2
Dilutive Securities Effect On Basic EPS, dilutive Restricted Stock Units, per diluted share $ 0 $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:        
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share $ 0.15 $ 0.22 $ 1.33 $ 0.27
Income Loss From Continuing Operations Diluted $ 102 $ 147 $ 883 $ 176
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted 665 663 664 662
Stock Compensation Plan [Member]        
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]        
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount 2 6 2 6
v3.10.0.1
Subsequent Events (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
9 Months Ended
Oct. 16, 2018
Nov. 15, 2017
Jul. 25, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Subsequent Event [Line Items]          
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates       $ (1,796) $ (39)
sPower [Member]          
Subsequent Event [Line Items]          
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired   $ 19 $ 461    
sPower [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]          
Subsequent Event [Line Items]          
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates $ (86)        
v3.10.0.1
Discontinued Operations and Held for sale businesses (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
Nov. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Jun. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Mar. 20, 2018
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax $ (1,486)   $ (1,718)         $ (1,718)   $ (1,486)  
Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations         $ 129       $ 254    
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue         945       2,726    
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold         (876)       (2,573)    
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax     3   0     199 0    
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Expense         (26)       (94)    
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax         43       59    
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax               243 0    
Income (loss) on discontinued operations, before tax, attributable to Noncontrolling interest         (21)       (30)    
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, before income tax, attributable to parent         22       29    
Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation     0   (17)     (2) (24)    
Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent     (1)   5     192 5    
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets 2,034                 2,034  
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities 1,033                 1,033  
Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations         (61)       (181)    
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates               1,796 39    
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business     21   1     (856) 49    
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]                      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets 1,948                 1,948  
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities 1,033                 1,033  
DPL Peaking Generation [Domain] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]                      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates               239      
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business       $ 2              
Compania Transmisora del Norte Grande [Member] | Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]                      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring     99         99      
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates     220                
Masinloc Subsidiary [Member] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]                      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates               1,050      
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business               (773)      
Electrica Santiago (Gener ESSA) [Member] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]                      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates               287      
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business               (69)      
Kazakhstan [Member] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]                      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates                 24    
Masinloc Subsidiary [Member]                      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent                     51.00%
Eletropaulo Subsidiary [Member]                      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Investments in and Advances to Affiliates $ 86                 86  
Discontinued Operation, Equity Method Investment Retained after Disposal, Ownership Interest Prior to Disposal 17.00%                    
Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount   $ (611)                  
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)                   (455)  
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Pension Gains (Losses)                   (243)  
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax               199      
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax               243      
Eletropaulo Subsidiary [Member] | Discontinued Operations [Member]                      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets $ 86                 $ 86  
Kazakhstan [Member]                      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of     0   0     0 94    
Kazakhstan Hydro [Member]                      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of     $ 0   2     $ 0 92    
Eletropaulo Subsidiary [Member]                      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses             $ 340        
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Kazakhstan [Member]                      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring           $ 171          
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)           92          
Fair Value Less Costs To Sell           29          
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of           $ 94          
Disposal Group, Held-for-sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member] | Kazakhstan Hydro [Member]                      
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]                      
Assets Carrying Amount Disclosure Nonrecurring         190       190    
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Foreign Currency Translation Gains (Losses)                 100    
Fair Value Less Costs To Sell         $ 92       $ 92    
v3.10.0.1
Risks and Uncertainties (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Sep. 30, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]    
Debt Default Amount $ 357  
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures 1,277 $ 1,197
PUERTO RICO | Covenant Violation [Member]    
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]    
Debt Default Amount 322  
AES llumina [Member] | Covenant Violation [Member]    
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]    
Debt Default Amount $ 35  
v3.10.0.1
Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2018
Sep. 30, 2017
Mar. 20, 2018
Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]            
One-time Transition Tax Rate $ (146)   $ (93) $ (509) $ (246)  
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business $ 21   $ 1 $ (856) $ 49  
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent 44.00%   31.00% 30.00% 36.00%  
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent       21.00% 35.00%  
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates       $ 1,796 $ 39  
Electrica Santiago (Gener ESSA) [Member] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]            
Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]            
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business       (69)    
Tax on gain (loss) on disposition of business   $ 25        
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates       287    
Masinloc Subsidiary [Member] | Disposal Group, Disposed of by Sale, Not Discontinued Operations [Member]            
Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]            
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business       (773)    
Tax on gain (loss) on disposition of business       155    
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates       1,050    
Argentina [Member]            
Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]            
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), due to Foreign Currency Exposure $ 16   $ 4 38 $ 8  
Masinloc Subsidiary [Member]            
Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]            
Disposal Group Not Discontinued Operation Ownership Interest Sold           51.00%
UNITED STATES            
Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]            
One-time Transition Tax Rate       (708)    
Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] | UNITED STATES            
Income Tax Disclosures [Line Items]            
One-time Transition Tax Rate       $ (33)