Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Successor [Member] Successor [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Reclassified from accumulated OCL to income due to realization of previously deferred amounts Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Mark-to-market of cash flow hedge accounting contracts Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Losses expected to be realized from OCL during the next 12 months Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Condensed Financial Information [Abstract] Condensed Financial Information [Abstract] Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Asset Impairments [Abstract] Asset Impairments [Abstract] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Elbow Creek [Member] Elbow Creek [Member] Elbow Creek [Member] Goat Wind [Member] Goat Wind [Member] Goat Wind [Member] Forward [Member] Forward [Member] Forward [Member] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Impairment losses Asset Impairment Charges Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Long-term Purchase Commitment Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Spring Canyon [Member] Spring Canyon [Member] Spring Canyon [Member] Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Domain] Period [Domain] [Domain] for Period [Axis] Pre-Flip Point [Member] Pre-Flip Point [Member] Pre-Flip Point [Member] Post-Flip Point [Member] Post-Flip Point [Member] Post-Flip Point [Member] Pre-determined Date Through Flip Point If Flip Has Not Occured [Member] Pre-determined Date Through Flip Point If Flip Has Not Occured [Member] Pre-determined Date Through Flip Point If Flip Hasn't Occured [Member] First Year [Member] First Year [Member] First Year [Member] Second Year through Flip Point [Member] Second Year through Flip Point [Member] Second Year through Flip Point [Member] Other Ownership Interests Name [Axis] Other Ownership Interests Name [Axis] Other Ownership Interests, Name [Domain] Other Ownership Interests, Name [Domain] Financial Institutions [Member] Financial Institutions [Member] Represents the information pertaining to the financial institutions. Power Generation Facilities by Type [Axis] Power Generation Facilities by Type [Axis] The types of power generation facilities included in the entity's total global generation portfolio. Power Generation Facilities, Type [Domain] Power Generation Facilities, Type [Domain] Listing of power generation facilities included in the entity's total global generation portfolio. Wind Farms [Member] Wind Farms [Member] Wind farm generation capacity. Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Other Assets Other Assets Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Number of Facilities Number of Facilities Number of Facilities Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts The generation capacity of the entity's power generation facilities as of the balance sheet date, expressed in megawatts. Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Taxable Income Allocation, Pre-Flip Taxable Income Allocation, Pre-Flip Taxable Income Allocation, Pre-Flip Taxable Income Allocation, Post-Flip Taxable Income Allocation, Post-Flip Taxable Income Allocation, Post-Flip Percentage of Cash Available for Distributions Percentage of Cash Available for Distributions Percentage of Cash Available for Distributions Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Total Assets Assets Liabilities Liabilities Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Net Assets Net Assets Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] NRG Yield Operating LLC [Member] NRG Yield Operating LLC [Member] NRG Yield Operating LLC [Member] NRG Yield LLC [Member] NRG Yield LLC [Member] NRG Yield LLC [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Net Income (Loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Utility-Scale Solar [Member] Utility-Scale Solar [Member] Utility-Scale Solar [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Utah Solar Portfolio [Member] Utah Solar Portfolio [Member] Utah Solar Portfolio [Member] Desert Sunlight [Member] Desert Sunlight [Member] Desert Sunlight [Member] GCE Holding LLC [Member] GCE Holding LLC [Member] Represents the GCE Holding LLC GCE Holding LLC which wholly-owns GenConn Energy LLC. Agua Caliente Borrower 2 [Member] Agua Caliente Borrower 2 [Member] Agua Caliente Borrower 2 [Member] Elkhorn Ridge Wind, LLC [Member] Elkhorn Ridge Wind, LLC [Member] Elkhorn Ridge Wind, LLC [Member] San Juan Mesa Wind Project, LLC [Member] San Juan Mesa Wind Project, LLC [Member] San Juan Mesa Wind Project, LLC [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 1 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 1 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 1 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 2 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 2 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 2 [Member] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] Avenal [Member] Avenal [Member] Avenal [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity investments in affiliates Equity Method Investments Percentage of Ownership Percentage of Ownership Percentage of Ownership Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Nature of Business Disclosure [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Agua Caliente [Member] Agua Caliente [Member] Agua Caliente [Member] March 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] March 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] March 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Axis] Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Axis] Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Domain] Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Domain] Pacific Gas and Electric [Member] Pacific Gas and Electric [Member] Pacific Gas and Electric [Member] Southern California Edison [Member] Southern California Edison [Member] Southern California Edison [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] NRG [Member] NRG [Member] NRG [Member] CVSR [Member] CVSR [Member] CVSR [Member] Thermal [Member] Thermal [Member] Represents Thermal segment of the entity. NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] NRG Yield LLC NRG GenConn Middletown [Member] GenConn Middletown [Member] GenConn Middletown [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] Marsh Landing Marsh Landing [Member] Marsh Landing [Member] El Segundo [Member] El Segundo [Member] El Segundo [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] Alpine [Member] Alpine [Member] Alpine [Member] Avra Valley [Member] Avra Valley [Member] Avra Valley [Member] NRG Solar Blythe LLC [Member] NRG Solar Blythe LLC [Member] Represents NRG Solar Blythe LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the entity. Borrego [Member] Borrego [Member] Borrego [Member] NRG Solar Roadrunner LLC [Member] NRG Solar Roadrunner LLC [Member] NRG Solar Roadrunner LLC [Member] RE Kansas South [Member] RE Kansas South [Member] RE Kansas South [Member] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] AZ DG Solar Projects AZ DG Solar Projects [Member] AZ DG Solar Projects [Member] PFMG DG Solar Projects PFMG DG Solar Projects [Member] PFMG DG Solar Projects [Member] Alta I [Member] Alta I [Member] Alta I [Member] Alta II [Member] Alta II [Member] alta II [Member] Alta III [Member] Alta III [Member] Alta III Alta IV [Member] Alta IV [Member] Alta IV [Member] Alta V [Member] Alta V [Member] Alta V [Member] Alta X [Member] Alta X [Member] Alta X [Member] Alta XI [Member] Alta XI [Member] Alta XI [Member] South Trent South Trent Holding LLC [Member] South Trent Holding LLC [Member] Spanish Fork [Member] Spanish Fork [Member] Spanish Fork [Member] Laredo Ridge [Member] Laredo Ridge [Member] Laredo Ridge [Member] Lookout [Member] Lookout [Member] Lookout [Member] Odin Wind Farm [Member] Odin Wind Farm [Member] Odin Wind Farm [Member] Taloga [Member] Taloga [Member] Taloga [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Sleeping Bear [Member] Sleeping Bear [Member] Sleeping Bear [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Crosswinds [Member] Crosswinds [Member] Crosswinds [Member] Hardin [Member] Hardin [Member] Hardin [Member] Wildorado [Member] Wildorado [Member] Wildorado [Member] NRG Energy Center Dover [Member] NRG Energy Center Dover [Member] NRG Energy Center Dover [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Conventional Generation [Member] Conventional Generation [Member] Conventional Generation [Member] Utility-Scale Solar Distributed Solar Distributed Solar [Member] Distributed solar generation capacity. Nature of Business Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction Sale of Stock, Percentage of Ownership after Transaction Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Steam and Chilled Water Capacity, Megawatts Thermal Equivalent Steam and Chilled Water Capacity, Megawatts Thermal Equivalent The generation capacity of the entity's thermal power generation facilities as of the balance sheet date, expressed in megawatts thermal equivalent. Megawatts Thermal Equivalent, Available Under right-to-use Provisions Megawatts Thermal Equivalent, Available Under right-to-use Provisions Megawatts Thermal Equivalent, Available Under right-to-use Provisions Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts attributed to noncontrolling interest Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts attributed to noncontrolling interest Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts attributed to noncontrolling interest Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Pro-Rate Share of Debt Held by Unconsolidated Affiliates Pro-Rate Share of Debt Held by Unconsolidated Affiliates Pro-Rate Share of Debt Held by Unconsolidated Affiliates Members' Equity [Abstract] Members' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Entities that are not consolidated [Member] Entities that are not consolidated [Member] Entities that are not consolidated [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco [Member] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] CP Comprehensive Income [Abstract] CP Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Total operating revenues Revenues Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of operations Cost of Revenue Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Total operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating Income Operating Income (Loss) Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated affiliates Equity in Earnings of Consolidated Subsidiaries This item represents the proportionate share of the parent in the earnings of the consolidated subsidiaries. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Loss on debt extinguishment Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Interest expense Interest Expense Total other income (expense), net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Net Income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Attributable to NRG Yield LLC Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Fair Value Assets, Measured on Recurring Basis, Valuation Techniques, Impact of Credit Reserve to Fair Value Fair Value Assets, Measured on Recurring Basis, Valuation Techniques, Impact of Credit Reserve to Fair Value This element represents the increase (decrease) to fair value from applying a credit reserve to reflect credit risk on the valuation techniques used to measure fair value of Level 2 and 3 derivative contracts which is calculated based on credit default swaps. Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Financial Instrument, Maximum Exposure Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Financial Instrument, Maximum Exposure Estimated Counterparty Credit Risk Exposure to Certain Counterparties, Period Estimated Counterparty Credit Risk Exposure to Certain Counterparties, Period Estimated Counterparty Credit Risk Exposure to Certain Counterparties, Period Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months Utilities Operating Expense, Purchased Power under Long-term Contracts Utilities Operating Expense, Purchased Power under Long-term Contracts Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years Purchase Obligation Purchase Obligation Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Operating Leases, Rent Expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Intercompany transactions between Yield LLC and subsidiaries Intercompany (Payments to) Receipts from Consolidated Subsidiaries Intercompany (Payments to) Receipts from Consolidated Subsidiaries Acquisition of Drop Down Assets, net of cash acquired Payment to Acquire Business under Common Control Payment to Acquire Business under Common Control Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Cash receipts from notes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivables Return of investment from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, Return of Capital Investments in unconsolidated affiliates Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Payments of Capital Distribution Payments of Capital Distribution Transfer of funds under intercompany cash management arrangement Proceeds from Payments to Intercompany Loans The cash inflow or outflow associated with intercompany loans for related parties. Payments of (Proceeds from) distributions Payments of (Proceeds from) distributions Payments of (Proceeds from) distributions Proceeds from the revolving credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayments of Lines of Credit Repayments of Lines of Credit Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — external Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payments of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payments for long-term debt — external Repayments of Long-term Debt Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Alta Wind Portfolio [Member] Alta Wind Portfolio [Member] Alta Wind Portfolio [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Purchase Price [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Purchase Price [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Purchase Price [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Support Equipment and Facilities [Member] Support Equipment and Facilities [Member] Land and improvements Land and Land Improvements [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Under construction Construction in Progress, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Prepaid Long Term Service Agreement Prepaid Long Term Service Agreement Prepaid Long Term Service Agreement Property, plant and equipment, useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Condensed Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Power Purchase Agreement Period Power Purchase Agreement Period Represents the period of power purchase agreement Operating Leases [Abstract] Operating Leases [Abstract] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes June 2014 Drop Down Assets [Member] June 2014 Drop Down Assets [Member] June 2014 Drop Down Assets [Member] Business Acquisitions, Consideration Transferred, Purchase Price Business Acquisitions, Consideration Transferred, Purchase Price Business Acquisitions, Consideration Transferred, Purchase Price Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization General and Administrative Expense Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Intercompany (Payments to) Receipts from Consolidated Subsidiaries Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Receipt of indemnity from supplier receipt of indemnity from supplier receipt of indemnity from supplier Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivables Proceeds from Renewable Energy Grants Proceeds from Renewable Energy Grants The amount of cash received during the period for renewable energy grants related to capital projects. Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Proceeds from Payments to Intercompany Loans Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Proceeds from the issuance of class A and class C units Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Payments of Capital Distribution Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Proceeds from (Repayments of) Lines of Credit Proceeds from Related Party Debt Proceeds from Related Party Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt Payments of Financing Costs Payments of Financing Costs Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] 2015 Drop Down Asssets [Member] 2015 Drop Down Asssets [Member] 2015 Drop Down Asssets [Member] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Distributions Paid, Per Unit Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Distributions Paid, Per Unit Dividends Payable, Date Declared Dividends Payable, Date Declared Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Net Gains and Losses Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Net Gains and Losses Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions Disclosure Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties Policies [Policy Text Block] Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties Policies [Policy Text Block] Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Tax Equity Arrangements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Tax Equity Arrangements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Tax Equity Arrangements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Developments New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] NRG Repowering Holdings LLC [Member] NRG Repowering Holdings LLC [Member] NRG Repowering Holdings LLC [Member] Revenue from Related Parties Revenue from Related Parties Cost of Natural Gas Purchases Cost of Natural Gas Purchases coal, gas purchases coal, gas purchases coal, gas purchases Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Sales [Member] Sales [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Condensed Income Statement Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Community Solar [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Community Solar [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Community Solar [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV 1 [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV 1 [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV 1 [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV 2 [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV 2 [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV 2 [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases [Member] Existing Portfolio of Leases [Member] Existing Portfolio of Leases [Member] Existing Portfolio of Leases [Member] Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Remaining Lease Term Remaining Lease Term Remaining Lease Term Capital Contributions From Partners in Equity Method Investment Capital Contributions From Partners in Equity Method Investment Capital Contributions From Partners in Equity Method Investment Due to Related Parties, Current Due to Related Parties, Current Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Percentage of Right to Receive Cash Distributed Percentage of Right to Receive Cash Distributed Percentage of Right to Receive Cash Distributed Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2020 [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2020 [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2020 [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche A [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche A [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche A [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2019 [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2019 [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2019 [Member] NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility [Member] NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility [Member] NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility [Member] CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Convertible Debt Convertible Debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Repayments of Debt Repayments of Debt Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] U.S. Treasury Rate [Member] U.S. Treasury Rate [Member] U.S. Treasury Rate [Member] Agua Caliente Financing Agreement [Member] Agua Caliente Financing Agreement [Member] Agua Caliente Financing Agreement [Member] GenConn Facility [Member] GenConn Facility [Member] GenConn Facility [Member] Notes Payable to Banks [Member] Notes Payable to Banks [Member] Fixed Rate Notes [Member] Fixed Rate Notes [Member] Fixed Rate Notes [Member] Working Capital Facility [Member] Working Capital Facility [Member] Working Capital Facility [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] SyndicateofBanks [Member] SyndicateofBanks [Member] SyndicateofBanks [Member] EurusEnergy [Member] EurusEnergy [Member] EurusEnergy [Member] Revenues Notes and Loans Payable Notes and Loans Payable Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Operating Income (Loss) Current Assets Assets, Current Assets, Noncurrent Assets, Noncurrent Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Supply Commitment [Member] Supply Commitment [Member] UB Fuel Cell [Member] UB Fuel Cell [Member] UB Fuel Cell [Member] Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life NRG Solar Alpine LLC [Member] NRG Solar Alpine LLC [Member] NRG Solar Alpine LLC [Member] NRG Solar Avra Valley [Member] NRG Solar Avra Valley [Member] NRG Solar Avra Valley [Member] NRG West Holdings LLC [Member] NRG West Holdings LLC [Member] NRG West Holdings LLC [Member] Kansas South [Member] Kansas South [Member] Kansas South [Member] Marsh Landing [Member] South Trent Wind LLC [Member] South Trent Wind LLC [Member] Represents the information pertaining to South Trent Wind LLC. Tapestry Wind [Member] Tapestry Wind [Member] Tapestry Wind [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Maturity - December 31, 2029 [Member] Maturity - December 31, 2029 [Member] Maturity - December 31, 2029 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2023 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2023 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2023 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2025 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2025 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2025 [Member] Maturity - November 30, 2030 [Member] Maturity - November 30, 2030 [Member] Maturity - November 30, 2030 [Member] Maturity - June 25, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 25, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 25, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June14, 2020 [Member] Maturity - June14, 2020 [Member] Maturity - June14, 2020 [Member] Maturity - June 14, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 14, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 14, 2028 [Member] Maturity - December 21, 2021 [Member] [Member] Maturity - December 21, 2021 [Member] [Member] Maturity - December 21, 2021 [Member] [Member] Maturity - December 21, 2029 [Member] Maturity - December 21, 2029 [Member] Maturity - December 21, 2029 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2028 [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] Viento Funding II, Inc., due in 2023 [Member] Viento Funding II, Inc., due in 2023 [Member] Viento Funding II, Inc., due in 2023 [Member] WCEP Holdings, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] WCEP Holdings, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] WCEP Holdings, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table] Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table] Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items] Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items] Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income Attributable to NRG Yield LLC Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Condensed Cash Flow Statement Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Net Income (Loss) [Member] Net Income (Loss) [Member] Net Income (Loss) [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Quarterly Financial Information, Quarterly Charges and Credits, Amount Reconciling to Previously Reported Results Quarterly Financial Information, Quarterly Charges and Credits, Amount Reconciling to Previously Reported Results Schedule of Dividends Paid Schedule of Dividends Paid [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of all or some of the information related to dividends paid Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Current and Non-Current Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Current and Non-Current Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Current and Non-Current Liabilities Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net NRG El Segundo Operations, Inc. [Member] NRG El Segundo Operations, Inc. [Member] NRG El Segundo Operations, Inc. [Member] Due to Affiliate Due to Affiliate Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable — trade Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable — affiliate Due from Affiliate, Current Inventory Inventory, Net Derivative instruments — affiliate Derivative Asset, Current Notes receivable Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Prepayments and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Other Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Notes receivable Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Total Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of long-term debt — external Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Accounts payable — trade Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable — affiliate Due to Affiliate, Current Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Other Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt — external Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term debt — affiliate Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Total Liabilities Members' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Contributed capital Members' Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Members' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Members' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Members' Equity Members' Equity Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] Asset Impairments Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Nature of Business Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] CP Income Statement [Abstract] CP Income Statement [Abstract] Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Operations and Maintenance services [Member] Operations and Maintenance services [Member] Operations and Maintenance services [Member] Support services [Member] Support services [Member] Support services [Member] GenOn Energy Services LLC [Member] GenOn Energy Services LLC [Member] GenOn Energy Services LLC [Member] NRG Yield [Member] NRG Yield [Member] NRG Yield [Member] Thermal [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC [Member] NECP [Member] NECP [Member] NECP [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] NRG Energy Services LLC [Member] NRG Energy Services LLC [Member] NRG Energy Services LLC [Member] NRG RENOM [Member] NRG RENOM [Member] NRG Renew Operations & Maintenance LLC Scenario, Plan [Member] Scenario, Plan [Member] Management Services Fee, Annual Service Management Costs Management Services Fee, Increase Service Management Costs, Fee Increase Service Management Costs, Fee Increase Due to Affiliate, Current Related Party Costs, Capitalized Amount Related Party Costs, Capitalized Amount Related Party Costs, Capitalized Amount Payments Payments Payments Receipt of payments Receipt of payments Receipt of payments Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Related Party Transaction, Amount to be Paid Upon Completion of Project Related Party Transaction, Amount to be Paid Upon Completion of Project Related Party Transaction, Amount to be Paid Upon Completion of Project Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Net Financing Receivable, Net Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities Asset Retirement Obligation Asset Retirement Obligation Revisions in estimates for current obligations Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Accretion — expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Alta Wind I - V Lease financing arrangement [Member] Alta Wind I - V Lease financing arrangement [Member] Alta Wind I - V Lease financing arrangement [Member] Debt Instrument Period [Axis] Debt Instrument Period [Axis] Debt Instrument Period [Axis] Debt Instrument Period [Domain] Debt Instrument Period [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Instrument Period [Axis] September 22, 2010 to March 18, 2015 [Member] September 22, 2010 to March 18, 2015 [Member] September 22, 2010 to March 18, 2015 [Member] March 18, 2015 to March 17, 2022 [Member] March 18, 2015 to March 17, 2022 [Member] March 18, 2015 to March 17, 2022 [Member] March 18, 2022 to March 17, 2027 [Member] March 18, 2022 to March 17, 2027 [Member] March 18, 2022 to March 17, 2027 [Member] March 18, 2027 through Maturity [Member] March 18, 2027 through Maturity [Member] March 18, 2027 through Maturity [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Letters of Credit, Issued Amount Letters of Credit, Issued Amount The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit issued as of the reporting date. Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] IPO of NRG Yield [Abstract] IPO of NRG Yield [Abstract] IPO of NRG Yield IPO of NRG Yield [Table Text Block] [Table Text Block] for IPO of NRG Yield [Table] Schedule of Ownership Percentage, Net Capacity, Offtake Counterparty and Year of Offtake Expiration by Operating Asset [Table Text Block] Schedule of Ownership Percentage, Net Capacity, Offtake Counterparty and Year of Offtake Expiration by Operating Asset [Table Text Block] Schedule of Ownership Percentage, Net Capacity, Offtake Counterparty and Year of Offtake Expiration by Operating Asset [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Alta Wind XI [Member] Alta Wind XI [Member] Alta Wind XI [Member] Supply Commitment Arrangement [Domain] Supply Commitment Arrangement [Domain] Leasehold Rights [Member] Leasehold Rights [Member] Leasehold Rights [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Contracts [Member] Customer Contracts [Member] Emission Allowances [Member] Emission Allowances [Member] An asset acquired in a business combination representing an entity's emission allowances. Developed Technology Rights [Member] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Out of Market Contracts [Member] Out of Market Contracts [Member] Out of Market Contracts [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Contra Revenue Intangibles Amortization Contra Revenue Intangibles Amortization Intangibles Amortization recorded to contra-revenue account Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Other Changes Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Other Changes This element represents other additions or reductions to finite-lived intangible assets during the period. Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Out of Market Contracts Out of Market Contracts Represents out-of-market contracts, which relate to customer contracts, energy supply contracts, power contracts, gas swaps, and certain coal contracts, where the contracted commodity price was less than the market price for revenue contracts and greater than market for cost contracts as of the acquisition date for contracts acquired in a business combination or the date of emergence from bankruptcy. The customer contracts, gas swaps and power contracts are amortized to revenues while the energy supply contracts and coal contracts are amortized to cost of operations over the term of the contracts. Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Accumulated Amortization of Out of Market Contracts Accumulated Amortization of Out of Market Contracts Accumulated Amortization of Out of Market Contracts Amortization Amortization Document And Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date Other Liabilities Other Liabilities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Net Assets, excluding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net Assets, excluding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net Assets, excluding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Debt Issuance Costs, Net Debt Issuance Costs, Net Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Members' Equity Net Income Business Combination, Working Capital Adjustments Business Combination, Working Capital Adjustments Business Combination, Working Capital Adjustments Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] Balance as of December 31, 2015 Balance as of December 31, 2016 Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Derivative Asset Derivative Asset Investment in consolidated subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting, Policy Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Operating Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Drop Down Assets [Member] Drop Down Assets [Member] Drop Down Assets [Member] Acquisition of Drop Down Assets, net of cash acquired Distributions and return of capital to NRG prior to the acquisition of Drop Down Assets Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — affiliate Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Project Level Subsidiaries [Member] Project Level Subsidiaries [Member] Project Level Subsidiaries [Member] Purpose [Axis] Purpose [Axis] Purpose [Axis] Purpose [Domain] Purpose [Domain] [Domain] for Purpose [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Current [Member] Long-Term Debt, Current [Member] Long-Term Debt, Current [Member] Operating Expense [Member] Operating Expense [Member] Cash Distribution [Member] Cash Distribution [Member] Reserves [Member] Reserves [Member] Reserves [Member] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] [Line Items] for Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Other Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Other Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Operating Leases, Income Statement, Contingent Revenue Operating Leases, Income Statement, Contingent Revenue Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Aqua Caliente Borrower 2, due 2038 [Member] Aqua Caliente Borrower 2, due 2038 [Member] Aqua Caliente Borrower 2, due 2038 [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes [Member] Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Unaudited Quarterly Data Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Depreciation, amortization and ARO accretion Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Amortization of financing costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Amortization of intangibles and out-of-market contracts Amortization of Intangibles and Out of Market Contracts The aggregate (income) expense recorded in earnings to allocate the cost of out-of-market contracts and intangible assets (nonphysical assets not used in production) in a systematic and rational manner to the periods expected to benefit from such assets. As a noncash (income) expense, this element is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by (used in) operations using the indirect method. Loss on debt extinguishment Changes in derivative instruments Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Assets and Liabilities Loss on disposal of asset components Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Changes in prepaid and accrued capacity payments Changes in Prepaid and Accrued Capacity Payments Changes in Prepaid and Accrued Capacity Payments Changes in other working capital Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] (Increase) decrease in restricted cash Proceeds from renewable energy grants Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Contributions from tax equity investors, net of distributions Proceeds from (Payments to) Noncontrolling Interests Capital contributions from NRG Payments of distributions Payments of Dividends Payments for the revolving credit facility Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents Supplemental Disclosures Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid, net of amount capitalized Interest Paid, Net Non-cash investing and financing activities: Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Additions (reductions) to fixed assets for accrued capital expenditures Additions (reductions) to fixed assets for accrued capital expenditures Additions (reductions) to fixed assets for accrued capital expenditures Decrease to fixed assets for accrued grants Decrease in Fixed Assets, Accrued Grants The decrease in fixed assets for accrued grants and related tax impact. Increase in debt due to accrued interest converted to debt Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Net contributions from NRG (net distributions/return of capital to NRG), non cash Payment of capital distributions and returns of capital, net of capital distributions, non-cash Payment of capital distributions and returns of capital, net of capital distributions, non-cash Public Shareholders [Member] Public Shareholders [Member] Public Shareholders [Member] Alta Wind Holdings [Member] Alta Wind Holdings [Member] Alta Wind Holdings [Member] Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Share Price Share Price Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current and Non-Current Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current and Non-Current Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current and Non-Current Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Cash Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Cash Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Cash Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Assets, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Assets, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Assets, Adjusted Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Adjusted Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill, Adjusted Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Total Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Total Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Total Assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired, Adjusted Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Noncurrent Liabilities Longterm Debt Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Noncurrent Liabilities Longterm Debt Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Noncurrent Liabilities Longterm Debt Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt, Adjusted Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current and Non-Current Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current and Non-Current Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current and Non-Current Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Current and Noncurrent Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Current and Noncurrent Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Current and Noncurrent Liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current and Non-current Liabilities, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current and Non-current Liabilities, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current and Non-current Liabilities, Adjusted Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed, Adjusted Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Net Assets Acquired Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Net Assets Acquired Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Net Assets Acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Adjusted January 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] January 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] January 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] PG&E [Member] PG&E [Member] PG&E [Member] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Corporate Corporate Segment [Member] Renewables Renewables [Member] Renewables [Member] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Customer's Percentage of Total Revenue Customer's Percentage of Total Revenue Customer's Percentage of Total Revenue Cost of operations Operating Expenses Income Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Equity Method Investments Capital Expenditures Capital Expenditures Represents amount of total Capital expenditures including accruals pertaining to repowering of entity's projects, major maintenance and meeting environmental commitments. Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Interest Rate Contract Current [Member] Interest Rate Contract Current [Member] The current portion of a derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to the right to receive or pay a sum of money at a given interest rate. Interest Rate Contract Non Current [Member] Interest Rate Contract Non Current [Member] The noncurrent portion of a derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to the right to receive or pay a sum of money at a given interest rate. Commodity Contract Current [Member] Commodity Contract Current [Member] The current portion of a derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to commodity prices. Measurement Unit [Axis] Measurement Unit [Axis] Represents information pertaining to various measurement units. Measurement Unit [Domain] Measurement Unit [Domain] Represents various measurement units used by the entity. MMbtu [Member] MMbtu [Member] Represents unit of measurement that is used to measure quantity of natural gas. United States of America, Dollars United States of America, Dollars Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Natural Gas [Member] Natural Gas [Member] Interest [Member] Interest [Member] Details pertaining to interest rate swaps which are considered a derivative commodity. Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liability Derivative Liability Fair Value of Gross Derivative Assets/(Liabilities), Net Fair Value of Gross Derivative Assets/(Liabilities), Net Fair value of gross derivative assets less fair value of gross derivative liabilities. Derivative Asset Fair Value Gross Liability Net Of Derivative Liability Fair Value Gross Asset Derivative Asset Fair Value Gross Liability Net Of Derivative Liability Fair Value Gross Asset Derivative Asset Fair Value Gross Liability Net Of Derivative Liability Fair Value Gross Asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Net Of Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Net Of Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Net Of Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Alta Wind I, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind I, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind I, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind II, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind II, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind II, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind III, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind III, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind III, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind IV, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind IV, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind IV, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind V, lease financing arrangement, due 2035 [Member] Alta Wind V, lease financing arrangement, due 2035 [Member] Alta Wind V, lease financing arrangement, due 2035 [Member] Alta Realty Investments, due 2031 [Member] Alta Realty Investments, due 2031 [Member] Alta Realty Investments, due 2031 [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement [Member] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes [Member] Represents senior secured notes financed by NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC, which are due 2013, 2017, and 2025. Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 [Member] Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 [Member] Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 [Member] South Trent Financing Agreement [Member] South Trent Financing Agreement [Member] South Trent Financing Agreement [Member] Avra Valley Financing Agreement [Member] Avra Valley Financing Agreement [Member] Avra Valley Financing Agreement [Member] High Desert Facility [Member] High Desert Facility [Member] High Desert Facility [Member] WCEP Holdings LLC [Member] WCEP Holdings LLC [Member] WCEP Holdings LLC [Member] Other Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] Represents other debt instruments not separately accounted disclosed. Roadrunner Financing Agreement [Member] Roadrunner Financing Agreement [Member] Roundrunner Financing Agreement [Member] Kansas South Facility [Member] Kansas South Facility [Member] Kansas South Facility [Member] Kansas South Facility, due 2031 [Member] Kansas South Facility, due 2031 [Member] Kansas South Facility, due 2031 [Member] NRG Solar Blythe LLC Credit Agreement Due 2028 [Member] NRG Solar Blythe LLC Credit Agreement Due 2028 [Member] Represent NRG Solar Blythe LLC credit agreement, which is due 2028. PFMG Financing Agreement [Member] PFMG Financing Agreement [Member] PFMG Financing Agreement [Member] Project [Domain] Project [Domain] West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche B [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche B [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche B [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche A due December 2017 [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche A due December 2017 [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche A due December 2017 [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche B due 2023 [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche B due 2023 [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche B due 2023 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes, due 2017 [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes, due 2017 [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes, due 2017 [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes, due 2025 [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes, due 2025 [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes, due 2025 [Member] Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2024 [Member] Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2024 [Member] Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2024 [Member] Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2038 [Member] Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2038 [Member] Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2038 [Member] High Desert Facility, due 2033 [Member] High Desert Facility, due 2033 [Member] High Desert Facility, due 2033 [Member] TA - High Desert, due 2023 [Member] TA - High Desert, due 2023 [Member] TA - High Desert, due 2023 [Member] Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Contributed Capital [Abstract] Contributed Capital [Abstract] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings, Unappropriated [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Assets Acquired, Drop Down Assets Net Assets Acquired, Drop Down Assets Net Assets Acquired, Drop Down Assets Gross Payment to Acquire Business under Common Control Gross Payment to Acquire Business under Common Control Gross Payment to Acquire Business under Common Control Net contributions from NRG (net distributions/return of capital to NRG), non cash Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Payment of capital distributions and returns of capital, net of capital contributions Payment of capital distributions and returns of capital, net of capital contributions Payment of capital distributions and returns of capital, net of capital contributions Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Cash Distributions Paid Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]