Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] 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] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Affiliated Entity [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Statement Statement [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value 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 Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] In service Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross Under construction Construction in Progress, Gross Total property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Net property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Equity investments in affiliates Equity Method Investments Notes receivable Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $80 and $36 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Derivative instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Noncurrent Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Other Assets Total Assets 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 Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt — external Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term debt — affiliate Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies 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 Noncontrolling interest Members' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Members' Equity Members' Equity Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] 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 Asset, Fair Value Determined Using Valuation Techniques, Percentage Derivative Asset, Fair Value Determined Using Valuation Techniques, Percentage This element represents the portion of total fair value of all derivative assets, which are valued using various valuation techniques including internal models based on a fundamental analysis of the market and extrapolation of observable market data with similar characteristics. 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 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] 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] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss 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 Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Purchase Price [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Purchase Price [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Purchase Price [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Domain] Period [Domain] [Domain] for Period [Axis] 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] 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] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [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. Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Total other assets 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 Contributions from noncontrolling interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Net property, plant and equipment Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Total Assets Total Liabilities Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Net Assets Net Assets 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 Arrangement [Domain] Supply Commitment Arrangement [Domain] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Southern California Edison [Member] Southern California Edison [Member] Southern California Edison [Member] Pacific Gas and Electric [Member] Pacific Gas and Electric [Member] Pacific Gas and Electric [Member] 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. Utility-Scale Solar [Member] Utility-Scale Solar [Member] Utility-Scale Solar [Member] Desert Sunlight [Member] Desert Sunlight [Member] Desert Sunlight [Member] Percentage of Ownership Percentage of Ownership Percentage of Ownership Total operating revenues Revenues Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income (Loss) Net Income (Loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total current assets Assets, Noncurrent Assets, Noncurrent Current Liabilities Total non-current liabilities 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. Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Accounting Policies [Abstract] Distributions [Policy Text Block] Distributions [Policy Text Block] Distributions [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Developments New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] 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] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2019 [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2019 [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2019 [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2020 [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2020 [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2020 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] 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 Wind X, due 2020 [Member] Alta Wind X, due 2020 [Member] Alta Wind X, due 2020 [Member] Alta Wind XI, due 2020 [Member] Alta Wind XI, due 2020 [Member] Alta Wind XI, due 2020 [Member] Alta Realty Investments, due 2031 [Member] Alta Realty Investments, due 2031 [Member] Alta Realty Investments, due 2031 [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement [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] 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, due in 2023 [Member] WCEP Holdings, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] WCEP Holdings, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] Roadrunner Financing Agreement [Member] Roadrunner Financing Agreement [Member] Roundrunner Financing Agreement [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] NRG Energy Center Princeton LLC, due 2017 [Member] NRG Energy Center Princeton LLC, due 2017 [Member] NRG Energy Center Princeton LLC, due 2017 [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 [Member] Alpine [Member] Alpine [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] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Senior Notes Senior Notes Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net Income Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives 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 Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income Attributable to NRG Yield LLC Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] NRG El Segundo Operations, Inc. [Member] NRG El Segundo Operations, Inc. [Member] NRG El Segundo Operations, Inc. [Member] NRG Yield [Member] NRG Yield [Member] NRG Yield [Member] NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] Thermal [Member] Thermal [Member] Represents Thermal segment of the entity. Marsh Landing [Member] Marsh Landing [Member] Marsh Landing [Member] El Segundo [Member] El Segundo [Member] El Segundo [Member] Gen Conn Energy LLC [Member] Gen Conn Energy LLC [Member] Represents the information pertaining to GenConn Energy LLC. CVSR [Member] CVSR [Member] CVSR [Member] GenOn Energy Services LLC [Member] GenOn Energy Services LLC [Member] GenOn Energy Services LLC [Member] NRG [Member] NRG [Member] NRG [Member] NRG Energy Services LLC [Member] NRG Energy Services LLC [Member] NRG Energy Services LLC [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Plan [Member] Scenario, Plan [Member] Related Party Transaction Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Management Services Fee, Annual Service Management Costs Management Services Fee, Increase Service Management Costs, Fee Increase Service Management Costs, Fee Increase General and administrative — affiliate General and Administrative Expense Due to Affiliate Due to Affiliate Repayments of Related Party Debt Repayments of Related Party Debt Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class C [Member] Common Class C [Member] Spring Canyon [Member] Spring Canyon [Member] Spring Canyon [Member] Wind Farms [Member] Wind Farms [Member] Wind farm generation capacity. Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] [Line Items] for Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Contributions from noncontrolling interest for Alta Wind X-X1 TE Holdco Noncontrolling interest acquired in Spring Canyon acquisition Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Comprehensive income Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners 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 Dividends Payable, Date of Record Dividends Payable, Date of Record Dividends Per Class A Common Share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Operating Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of operations Cost of Revenue Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Total operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating Income Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss on debt extinguishment Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Interest expense Interest Expense Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NRG Yield LLC Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Estimated carrying values and fair values of the Company's recorded financial instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] 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 Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] CP Comprehensive Income [Abstract] CP Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] NRG Yield LLC [Member] NRG Yield LLC [Member] NRG Yield LLC [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] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents Derivative instruments — affiliate Derivative Asset Investment in consolidated subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Intangible assets, net Total Members' Equity Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Drop-down Acquisition [Member] Drop-down Acquisition [Member] Drop-down Acquisition [Member] 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 businesses, net of cash acquired Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Decrease in notes receivable 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. Net 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 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. Proceeds from the issuance of Class C units Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Payment of distributions Payments of Dividends Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — external Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — affiliate Proceeds from Related Party Debt Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payments for long-term debt — external Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] CP Income Statement [Abstract] CP Income Statement [Abstract] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Depreciation and amortization Total operating costs and expenses 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. Interest expense Total other income (expense), net 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] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Leasehold Rights [Member] Leasehold Rights [Member] Leasehold Rights [Member] Alta Wind Portfolio [Member] Alta Wind Portfolio [Member] Alta Wind Portfolio [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired 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, 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 Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital 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 Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Share Price Share Price Proceeds from the issuance of Class C and Class A units Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt 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, 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, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment 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, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets 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, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities 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, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net 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 Other income, net Capital contributions from NRG Proceeds from Contributions from Parent Distributions and return of capital to NRG Payments of Capital Distribution Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Financing Costs UB Fuel Cell [Member] UB Fuel Cell [Member] UB Fuel Cell [Member] Thermal [Member] Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] 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] 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 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] Existing Portfolio of Leases [Member] Existing Portfolio of Leases [Member] Existing Portfolio of Leases [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases [Member] NRG DGPV Fund 2 [Member] NRG DGPV Fund 2 [Member] NRG DGPV Fund 2 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco [Member] NRG DGPV Fund 1 [Member] NRG DGPV Fund 1 [Member] NRG DGPV Fund 1 [Member] Remaining Lease Term Remaining Lease Term Remaining Lease Term Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Business Acquisitions, Consideration Transferred, Purchase Price Business Acquisitions, Consideration Transferred, Purchase Price Business Acquisitions, Consideration Transferred, Purchase Price Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] WCEP Holdings LLC [Member] WCEP Holdings LLC [Member] WCEP Holdings LLC [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] NRG Wind LLC [Member] NRG Wind LLC [Member] NRG Wind LLC [Member] Laredo Ridge [Member] Laredo Ridge [Member] Laredo Ridge [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] December 17, 2014 to December 31, 2018 [Member] December 17, 2014 to December 31, 2018 [Member] December 17, 2014 to December 31, 2018 [Member] January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023 [Member] January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023 [Member] January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023 [Member] January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2028 [Member] January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2028 [Member] January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2028 [Member] November 12, 2014 to December 20, 2018 [Member] November 12, 2014 to December 20, 2018 [Member] November 12, 2014 to December 20, 2018 [Member] December 21, 2018 to December 31, 2021 [Member] December 21, 2018 to December 31, 2021 [Member] December 21, 2018 to December 31, 2021 [Member] October 21, 2014 to September 30, 2018 [Member] October 21, 2014 to September 30, 2018 [Member] October 21, 2014 to September 30, 2018 [Member] October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2022 [Member] October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2022 [Member] October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2022 [Member] October 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023 [Member] October 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023 [Member] October 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023 [Member] Cash Grant Loan [Member] Cash Grant Loan [Member] Cash Grant Loan [Member] Working Capital Facility [Member] Working Capital Facility [Member] Working Capital Facility [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Amendment Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Amendment Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Amendment Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Cash Distributions Paid Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Cash Distributions Paid Debt Issuance Cost Debt Issuance Cost 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 Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Derivative, Forward Interest Rate Derivative, Forward Interest Rate Repayments of Debt Repayments of Debt Business Acquisitions [Abstract] Business Acquisitions [Abstract] November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] January 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] January 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] January 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Common Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] 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 Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Fixed Rate Notes [Member] Fixed Rate Notes [Member] Fixed Rate Notes [Member] GCE Holding LLC [Member] GCE Holding LLC [Member] Represents the GCE Holding LLC GCE Holding LLC which wholly-owns GenConn Energy LLC. Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Power Generation Units, Number Power Generation Units, Number The number of power generation units as of the balance sheet date. Related Party Transactions Disclosure Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Nature of Business Disclosure [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Schedule of Change in Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Schedule of Change in Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Schedule of Change in Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] Kansas South [Member] Kansas South [Member] Kansas South [Member] June 2014 Drop Down Assets [Member] June 2014 Drop Down Assets [Member] June 2014 Drop Down Assets [Member] Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Conventional Generation [Member] Conventional Generation [Member] Conventional Generation [Member] Corporate Corporate Segment [Member] Renewables Renewables [Member] Renewables [Member] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Operating revenues Cost of operations Operating Expenses Operating income (loss) Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] 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. United States of America, Dollars United States of America, Dollars MMbtu [Member] MMbtu [Member] Represents unit of measurement that is used to measure quantity of natural gas. 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. 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. 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] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount 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 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 Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset 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 Gross Liability Net Of Derivative Liability Fair Value Gross Asset Derivative Asset, Net Amount Derivative Liability, Net Amount Derivative Liability 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 Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Net notional volume buy/(sell) of NRG Yield's open derivative transactions broken out by commodity Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Fair value within the derivative instrument valuation on the balance sheets Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Offsetting of derivatives by counterparty master agreement level and collateral received or paid Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Effects of NRG Yield's accumulated OCI balance attributable to interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedge derivatives, net of tax Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] 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] September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2020 [Member] September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2020 [Member] September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2020 [Member] September 1, 2020 through maturity [Member] September 1, 2020 through maturity [Member] September 1, 2020 through maturity [Member] Avenal [Member] Avenal [Member] Avenal [Member] Alta Wind X and Alta Wind XI, due 2020 [Member] Alta Wind X and Alta Wind XI, due 2020 [Member] Alta Wind X and Alta Wind XI, due 2020 [Member] Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs IPO of NRG Yield [Table Text Block] IPO of NRG Yield [Table Text Block] [Table Text Block] for IPO of NRG Yield [Table] Schedule of Ownership [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] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Summarized financial information of equity method investment Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income 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] Distributions in excess of equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Amortization of financing costs and debt discount/premiums Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Amortization of intangibles and out-of-market contracts Amortization of Intangible Assets Adjustment for debt extinguishment Changes in derivative instruments Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Assets and Liabilities 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] Acquisition of Drop Down Assets, net of cash acquired Acquisition of Assets Under Common Control Acquisition of Assets Under Common Control (Increase) decrease in restricted cash Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Distributions and return of capital to NRG Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] 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] NRG Yield LLC NRG GenConn Middletown GenConn Middletown [Member] GenConn Middletown [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] Marsh Landing Avra Valley 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 Borrego [Member] Borrego [Member] Roadrunner NRG Solar Roadrunner LLC [Member] NRG Solar Roadrunner 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] Taloga [Member] Taloga [Member] Taloga [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Distributed Solar Distributed Solar [Member] Distributed solar generation capacity. Utility-Scale Solar 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 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 Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Voting Interest Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Voting Interest Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Voting Interest Sale of Stock, Price Per Share Sale of Stock, Price Per Share 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. Investment Banking, Advisory, Brokerage, and Underwriting Fees and Commissions Investment Banking, Advisory, Brokerage, and Underwriting Fees and Commissions Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] Convertible Notes Payable [Member] Convertible Notes Payable [Member] NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility [Member] NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility [Member] NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Convertible Debt Convertible Debt Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio 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] Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Tapestry Wind [Member] Tapestry Wind [Member] Tapestry Wind [Member] Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Net Gains and Losses Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Net Gains and Losses AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax Other current and non-current liabilities Other Liabilities Business Combination, Assets Acquired, 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, 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 Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income(Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income(Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income(Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Business Combination, 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 Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] 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 Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, plant and equipment, useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Pre-Flip Point [Member] Pre-Flip Point [Member] Pre-Flip Point [Member] Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value