Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Energy Center Minneapolis Series E Notes Energy Center Minneapolis Series E Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series E Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series F Notes Energy Center Minneapolis Series F Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series F Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series G Notes Energy Center Minneapolis Series G Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series G Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series H Notes Energy Center Minneapolis Series H Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series H Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series E, F, G, H Notes Energy Center Minneapolis Series E, F, G, H Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series E, F, G, H Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series C Notes Energy Center Minneapolis Series C Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series C Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Proceeds from energy center notes Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Interest rate, percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Aggregate principal amount repurchased Repayments of Debt Net borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Eliminations Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Conventional Generation Conventional Generation [Member] Conventional Generation [Member] Renewables Renewables [Member] Renewables [Member] Thermal Thermal [Member] Represents Thermal segment of the entity. Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Energy Revenue Energy Revenue [Member] Energy Revenue [Member] Capacity Revenue Capacity Revenue [Member] Capacity Revenue [Member] Other revenues Products And Services, Other [Member] Products And Services, Other [Member] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Customer Contracts Customer Contracts [Member] Lease Agreements Lease Agreements [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] NRG NRG [Member] NRG [Member] Purpose [Axis] Purpose [Axis] Purpose [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Operating Funds Operating Funds [Member] Operating Funds [Member] Long-Term Debt, Current Long-Term Debt, Current [Member] Long-Term Debt, Current [Member] Debt Service Obligations Debt Service Obligations [Member] Debt Service Obligations [Member] Cash Distribution Cash Distribution [Member] Subsidiaries Affected By Bankruptcy Subsidiaries Affected By Bankruptcy [Member] Subsidiaries Affected By Bankruptcy [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] CVSR CVSR [Member] CVSR [Member] Spring Canyon Spring Canyon [Member] Spring Canyon [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Project Level Subsidiaries Project Level Subsidiaries [Member] Project Level Subsidiaries [Member] Elbow Creek Elbow Creek [Member] Elbow Creek [Member] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] [Line Items] for Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Cash and cash equivalents held at project subsidiaries Other Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Contingent rental income Operating Leases, Income Statement, Contingent Revenue Intercompany revenue Revenue from Related Parties Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Asset Retirement Obligation Asset Retirement Obligation Revisions in estimates for current obligations/Additions Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Accretion — expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Asset Retirement Obligation Total operating revenue Revenues Less: Lease revenue Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Contract amortization Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Accounts receivable Accounts Receivable, Net General and administrative Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Income Taxes, Threshold Percentage Income Taxes, Threshold Percentage The percentage that is likely to be realized upon settlement which is used as a basis of recording unrecognized tax benefits for income tax positions that have surpassed the more-likely-than-not threshold. Lease liability Operating Lease, Liability Right-of-Use Asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Business Combinations [Abstract] Business acquisitions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Clearway Energy, Inc. Clearway Energy, Inc. [Member] Clearway Energy, Inc. [Member] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investments in consolidated affiliates Investment in Consolidated Subsidiaries Investment in Consolidated Subsidiaries Increase in notes receivable - affiliate Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Payments for long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Proceeds from the issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Cash received from Clearway Energy LLC for the payment of dividends Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Common stock dividends Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term purchase commitment Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to reconcile net 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 Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts 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 Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Change in deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Impairment losses Asset Impairment Charges Changes in derivative instruments Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Assets and Liabilities (Gain) 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] Acquisition of business Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired 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 Cash receipts from notes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivables Return of investment from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Investments in unconsolidated affiliates Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net contributions from noncontrolling interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Net distributions and return of capital to NRG prior to the acquisition of Drop Down Assets Payments of Capital Distribution Payments of dividends and distributions Payments of Dividends Proceeds from the revolving credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Payments for the revolving credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payments of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period Interest paid, net of amount capitalized Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities (Reductions) Additions 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 Non-cash adjustment for change in tax basis of assets Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Non-cash contributions from CEG, NRG, net of distributions 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 Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair value of financial instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Lease expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Lease expense, due next twelve months Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Future minimum lease commitments, due in 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Future minimum lease commitments, due in 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Future minimum lease commitments, due in 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Future minimum lease commitments, due in 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Future minimum lease commitments, due thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Future minimum lease commitments, total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Power procurement arrangements Utilities Operating Expense, Purchased Power under Long-term Contracts Incurred expenses for transactions with related party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Purchase obligation, due in 2019 Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months Purchase obligation, due in 2020 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years Purchase obligation, due in 2021 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years Purchase obligation, due in 2022 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years Purchase obligation, due in 2023 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years Purchase obligation, thereafter Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years Total Purchase Obligation Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A Common Class A [Member] Common Class B Common Class B [Member] Common Class C Common Class C [Member] Common Class D Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Par value - Common Stock, Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Par value - Preferred Stock Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings (Loss) Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Series E,F,G,H interest rates Schedule of Effective Interest Rate [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Interest Rate [Table Text Block] Summary of swaps related to the Company's project level debt Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of annual payments based on the maturities of NRG Yield's debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Commodity contracts Commodity Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract Interest Rate Contract [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [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 Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative assets (liabilities) classified as level 1 or level 3 Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Intangible assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Asset impairments Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Restricted Cash Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Asset Impairments Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt Issuance Costs Debt, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentrations of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligation [Policy Text Block] Guarantees Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties Policies [Policy Text Block] Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block] Leases Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Tax Equity Arrangements Tax Equity Arrangements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Tax Equity Arrangements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Developments New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Dividends Dividends [Policy Text Block] Dividends [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Clearway Energy LLC Clearway Energy LLC [Member] Clearway Energy LLC [Member] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] GIP GIP [Member] GIP [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] CEG CEG [Member] CEG [Member] Ownership interest acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Power generation gapacity, megawatts Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts The generation capacity of the entity's power generation facilities as of the balance sheet date, expressed in megawatts. Weighted average remaining PPA term Weighted Average Remaining PPA Term Weighted Average Remaining PPA Term 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. Sale of stock, number of shares issued in transaction Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Limited liability company or limited partnership, members or limited partners, ownership interest Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Cash Distributions Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Schedule of dividends paid Schedule of Dividends Paid [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of all or some of the information related to dividends paid Schedule of distributions paid Schedule of Distributions Paid [Table Text Block] Schedule of Distributions Paid [Table Text Block] 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 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 Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock Class of Stock [Line Items] Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Wind Global LLC Wind Global LLC [Member] Wind Global LLC [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV 1 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 Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases [Member] Existing Portfolio of Leases Existing Portfolio of Leases [Member] Existing Portfolio of Leases [Member] Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Capital Unit, Class A Capital Unit, Class A [Member] Capital Unit, Class B Capital Unit, Class B [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. Wind Farms Wind Farms [Member] Wind farm generation capacity. Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Domain] Period [Domain] [Domain] for Period [Axis] Second Year through Flip Point Second Year through Flip Point [Member] Second Year through Flip Point [Member] Post-Flip Point Post-Flip Point [Member] Post-Flip Point [Member] Pre-determined Date Through Flip Point If Flip Has Not Occured Pre-determined Date Through Flip Point If Flip Has Not Occured [Member] Pre-determined Date Through Flip Point If Flip Hasn't Occured [Member] Pre-Flip Point Pre-Flip Point [Member] Pre-Flip Point [Member] Buckthorn Solar Drop Down Asset Buckthorn Solar Drop Down Asset [Member] Buckthorn Solar Drop Down Asset [Member] Repowering Partnership LLC Repowering Partnership LLC [Member] Repowering Partnership LLC [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco 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 Financial Institutions [Member] Represents the information pertaining to the financial institutions. November 2015 Drop Down Assets November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] Spring Canyon II Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon III Spring Canyon III [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] GCE Holding LLC GCE Holding LLC [Member] Represents the GCE Holding LLC GCE Holding LLC which wholly-owns GenConn Energy LLC. Desert Sunlight Desert Sunlight [Member] Desert Sunlight [Member] Utah Portfolio Utah Portfolio [Member] Utah Portfolio [Member] PG&E PG&E [Member] PG&E [Member] DGPV Holdco 1 DGPV Holdco 1 [Member] DGPV Holdco 1 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 2 NRG DGPV Holdco 2 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 2 [Member] DGPV Holdco 3 DGPV Holdco 3 [Member] DGPV Holdco 3 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco NRG DGPV Holdco [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco [Member] RPV Holdco RPV Holdco [Member] RPV Holdco [Member] Agua Caliente Borrower 2 Agua Caliente Borrower 2 [Member] Agua Caliente Borrower 2 [Member] Elkhorn Ridge Wind, LLC Elkhorn Ridge Wind, LLC [Member] Elkhorn Ridge Wind, LLC [Member] San Juan Mesa Wind Project, LLC San Juan Mesa Wind Project, LLC [Member] San Juan Mesa Wind Project, LLC [Member] Avenal Avenal [Member] Avenal [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Less: noncontrolling interest Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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 acquisition, consideration transferred, working capital Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Non-recourse debt Non-Recourse 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 Taxable income allocation, pre-flip Taxable Income Allocation, Pre-Flip Taxable Income Allocation, Pre-Flip Cash considerations Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners 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 Percentage of ownership Percentage of Ownership Percentage of Ownership Remaining lease term Remaining Lease Term Remaining Lease Term Due to related parties Due to Related Parties Equity investments in affiliates Equity Method Investments Equity method investment, ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Number of solar leases in portfolio Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Domain] Restatement [Domain] Previously Reported Previously Reported [Member] Total operating revenues Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Net income (loss) attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Net income/(loss) per weighted average common share - basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings per share, diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Tax Equity Investors [Member] Tax Equity Investors [Member] Tax Equity Investors [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement of Stockholders' Equity Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Total Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Excluding Net Income Related to Drop Down Asset Acquisitions Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Excluding Net Income Related to Drop Down Asset Acquisitions Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Excluding Net Income Related to Drop Down Asset Acquisitions Pre-acquisition net income of Acquired Drop Down Assets Pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Payment for Drop Down Assets Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests August 2017 Drop Down Assets contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Contributions from NRG, net of distributions, non-cash Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders, Non-Cash Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders, Non-Cash Capital contributions Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest Distributions to CEG, NRG, net of contributions, cash Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders, Cash Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders, Cash Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Proceeds of Issuance from Class C Common Stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Common stock dividends Dividends, Common Stock Total Stockholders' Equity 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 Support Equipment and Facilities [Member] Land and improvements Land and Land Improvements [Member] Construction in Progress Construction in Progress [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Net property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 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 Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Unrealized gain/loss on derivatives, income tax benefit/(expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Accounts receivable — trade Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventory Inventory, Net Notes receivable — current 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, net Property, plant and equipment, net Other Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Derivative instruments Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net 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] Less current maturities Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable — affiliate Due to Affiliate, Current Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Current Accrued interest expense Interest Payable Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations 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 Stockholders' Equity Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Stockholders' Equity Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative instruments Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Net amount Derivative Asset Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Net amount 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 instruments 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 Net amount 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 Revolving Credit Facility due in 2019 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility due in 2019 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility due in 2019 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Buckthorn Solar, due 2025 Buckthorn Solar, due 2025 [Member] Buckthorn Solar, due 2025 [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche B due 2023 Marsh Landing Tranche B due 2023 [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche B due 2023 [Member] Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] South Trent Wind Due 2020 South Trent Wind Due 2020 [Member] South Trent Wind Due 2020 [Member] Kansas South, due in 2030 Kansas South, due in 2030 [Member] Kansas South, due in 2030 [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 [Member] El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 [Member] El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 [Member] Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 [Member] Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 [Member] Viento Funding II, Inc., due in 2023 Viento Funding II, Inc., due in 2023 [Member] Viento Funding II, Inc., due in 2023 [Member] Alta Wind I - V Lease financing arrangement Alta Wind I - V Lease financing arrangement [Member] Alta Wind I - V Lease financing arrangement [Member] CVSR Financing Agreement CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] Interest Rate Swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] NRG Solar Alpine LLC NRG Solar Alpine LLC [Member] NRG Solar Alpine LLC [Member] Avra Valley Avra Valley [Member] Avra Valley [Member] AWAM AWAM [Member] AWAM [Member] Blythe Blythe [Member] Blythe [Member] Borrego Borrego [Member] Borrego [Member] Buckthorn Solar Buckthorn Solar [Member] Buckthorn Solar [Member] El Segundo El Segundo [Member] El Segundo [Member] Kansas South Kansas South [Member] Kansas South [Member] Laredo Ridge Laredo Ridge [Member] Laredo Ridge [Member] Marsh Landing Marsh Landing [Member] Marsh Landing [Member] Roadrunner Roadrunner [Member] Roadrunner [Member] South Trent South Trent [Member] South Trent [Member] Tapestry Wind Tapestry Wind [Member] Tapestry Wind [Member] Viento Funding II Viento Funding II [Member] Viento Funding II [Member] Walnut Creek Walnut Creek [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] WCEP Holdings WCEP Holdings [Member] WCEP Holdings [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Maturity - November 30, 2030 Maturity - November 30, 2030 [Member] Maturity - November 30, 2030 [Member] Maturity - May 15, 2031 Maturity - May 15, 2031 [Member] Maturity - May 15, 2031 [Member] Maturity - June 25, 2028 Maturity - June 25, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 25, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2020 Maturity - June 30, 2020 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2020 [Member] Maturity - December 31, 2041 Maturity - December 31, 2041 [Member] Maturity - December 31, 2041 [Member] Maturity - December 31, 2030 Maturity - December 31, 2030 [Member] Maturity - December 31, 2030 [Member] Maturity - March 31, 2026 Maturity - March 31, 2026 [Member] Maturity - March 31, 2026 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2023 Maturity - June 30, 2023 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2023 [Member] Maturity - June14, 2020 Maturity - June14, 2020 [Member] Maturity - June14, 2020 [Member] Maturity - June 14, 2028 Maturity - June 14, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 14, 2028 [Member] Maturity - December 21, 2021 Maturity - December 21, 2021 [Member] [Member] Maturity - December 21, 2021 [Member] [Member] Maturity - December 31, 2029 Maturity - December 31, 2029 [Member] Maturity - December 31, 2029 [Member] Maturity - September 30, 2036 Maturity - September 30, 2036 [Member] Maturity - September 30, 2036 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2028 Maturity - June 30, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2028 [Member] Maturity - May 31, 2023 Maturity - May 31, 2023 [Member] Maturity - May 31, 2023 [Member] Percentage of principal Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives Fixed interest rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Description of variable rate basis Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Notes receivable, including current portion Financing Receivable, Net Long-term debt, including current portion (a) Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] SCHEDULE II VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Estimated carrying amounts and fair values Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Level within fair value hierarchy Fair Value Option, Disclosures [Table Text Block] Assets and liabilities measured and recorded at fair value Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] UPMC Thermal UPMC Thermal [Member] UPMC Thermal [Member] August 2017 Drop Down Assets August 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] August 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] March 2017 Drop Down Assets March 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] March 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2017 Drop Down Assets November 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] CVSR Holdco due 2037 CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] Central CA Fuel Cell 1 [Member] Central CA Fuel Cell 1 [Member] Central CA Fuel Cell 1 [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] UPMC thermal project cash considerations Power purchase agreement period Power Purchase Agreement Period Represents the period of power purchase agreement Non-controlling interest Long-term debt Long-term Debt Proceeds from noncontrolling interests Allocations of taxable income from tax equity investor Allocations of Taxable Income From Tax Equity Investor Allocations of Taxable Income From Tax Equity Investor Allocations of investor change percent Allocations of Investor Change Percent Allocations of Investor Change Percent Contingent consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Business acquisition, percentage of assets recorded as noncontrolling interest Business Acquisition, Percentage of Assets Recorded as Noncontrolling Interest Business Acquisition, Percentage of Assets Recorded as Noncontrolling Interest Net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Ownership percentage Percentage of NRG's ownership Percentage of NRG's Ownership Percentage of NRG's Ownership Remaining power purchase agreement term Remaining Power Purchase Agreement term Remaining Power Purchase Agreement term Net working capital adjustment Historical value Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Net Gains and Losses Additional debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt AOCL Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Percentage of debt consolidated Business Acquisition, Percentage of Debt Consolidated Business Acquisition, Percentage of Debt Consolidated 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] Company organization chart Company Organization Chart [Table Text Block] Company Organization Chart [Table Text Block] The Company's operating assets are comprised of the following projects: 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] Customers accounting for more than 10% of revenue Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Segment reporting information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount Charged to costs and expenses SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense Charged to other accounts SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Other Account Balance at end of period Reconciliation of the Company's basic earnings per share to diluted earnings per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Summary of Company's outstanding equity instruments not included in diluted earnings per share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Other current and non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Intangible assets Total liabilities Noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Net assets less noncontrolling interests Net Assets Summary of unaudited quarterly financial data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Non-current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Total assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Debt (Current and non-current) (a) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Financial Liabilities Other current and non-current liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Total liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Net assets acquired Less net debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Less: Pre-acquisition net income (loss) of Drop Down Assets Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Solar Facilities Solar Facilities [Member] Solar Facilities [Member] March Landing March Landing [Member] March Landing [Member] Nature of Business [Line Items] Nature of Business [Line Items] [Line Items] for Nature of Business [Table] Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Accounts Receivable, Related Parties 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. Company ownership interests 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 Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Schedule of Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Table] Shareholders Shareholders [Member] Shareholders [Member] Conventional Generation, Utility-Scale Solar, Distributed Solar, and Wind Conventional Generation, Utility-Scale Solar, Distributed Solar, and Wind [Member] Conventional Generation, Utility-Scale Solar, Distributed Solar, and Wind [Member] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] Collaborative Arrangements and Non-collaborative Arrangement Transactions [Line Items] 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 Ownership interest sold Ownership Interest Sold Ownership Interest Sold Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] 5.75% Senior Notes due 2025 5.75% Senior Notes due 2025 [Member] 5.75% Senior Notes due 2025 [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 Alta Wind I-V, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 and 2035 Alta Wind I-V, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 and 2035 [Member] Alta Wind I-V, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 and 2035 [Member] CVSR Financing Agreement Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022 Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022 [Member] Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022 [Member] Viento Funding II, Inc., due in 2023 Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 Other Debt Other Debt [Member] Represents other debt instruments not separately accounted disclosed. West Holdings Credit Agreement West Holdings Credit Agreement [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche B 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 A West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche A [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche A [Member] Project Level Debt Project Level Debt [Member] Project Level Debt [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Outstanding aggregate principal amount Senior Notes Senior Notes Less current maturities Less net debt issuance costs Less discounts Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Total long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Description of variable rate basis Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2023 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Long-term debt, gross Long-term Debt, Gross Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Net deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investment in Noncontrolled Affiliates Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract] Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract] Interest expense disallowance carryforward - Investment in Projects Deferred Tax Assets, Interest Expense Disallowed Carryforward - investments in Projects Deferred Tax Assets, Interest Expense Disallowed Carryforward - investments in Projects Production tax credits Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments Investment tax credits Deferred Tax Assets, Other U.S. Federal net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic Capital loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards State net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Net deferred noncurrent tax asset Deferred tax asset, tax cut and job acts disallowed interest Deferred Tax Asset, Tax Cut and Job Acts Deferred Tax Asset, Tax Cut and Job Acts Net deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Excluding Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Excluding Valuation Allowance Unrecognized tax positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Member] Goat Wind Goat Wind [Member] Goat Wind [Member] Forward Forward [Member] Forward [Member] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] 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 Interest Expense [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Equity method investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of variable interest entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] ATM Program ATM Program [Member] ATM Program [Member] Shares of common stock sold Company ownership, percentage Par value, common stock, (in usd) Aggregate sales price ATM Program, Maximum Dollar Value of Shares to Be Issued ATM Program, Maximum Dollar Value of Shares to Be Issued Gross proceeds from sale of class C common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Before Commission Fees Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Before Commission Fees Commissions incurred Investment Banking, Advisory, Brokerage, and Underwriting Fees and Commissions Class C common stock remaining available for issuance ATM program, dollar value of shares remaining ATM program, dollar value of shares remaining Dividends per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Quarterly dividend, date declared Dividends Payable, Date Declared Class C common stock payable per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends payable, date to be paid Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Stockholders, date of record Dividends Payable, Date of Record Distributions paid to NRG Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Distributions Paid, Per Unit Nature of business Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] 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] Out of Market Contracts Out of Market Contracts [Member] Out of Market Contracts [Member] Alta Wind XI Alta Wind XI [Member] Alta Wind XI [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Contract amortization expense Contra Revenue Intangibles Amortization Intangibles Amortization recorded to contra-revenue account Future amortization expense, next twelve months Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Future amortization expense, year two Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Future amortization expense, year three Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Future amortization expense, year four Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Future 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. Agreement term 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 expense Amortization Investments, Other Investments, Other [Member] Investments, Other [Member] Current assets Non-current assets Assets, Noncurrent Current liabilities Non-current liabilities Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Supply Commitment Arrangement Supply Commitment Arrangement [Domain] Leasehold Rights Leasehold Rights [Member] Leasehold Rights [Member] Customer Relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Emission Allowances Emission Allowances [Member] An asset acquired in a business combination representing an entity's emission allowances. Other Intangible Assets Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Net carrying amount beginning balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Asset impairments Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Net carrying amount ending balance Less accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Ending balance Schedule of property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Operating Expenses Operating Expenses Equity earnings in consolidated subsidiaries Equity in Earnings of Consolidated Subsidiaries This item represents the proportionate share of the parent in the earnings of the consolidated subsidiaries. Loss on debt extinguishment Interest expense, net Interest Expense Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. Income Statement [Abstract] Operating Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Operating Costs and Expenses 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 Development costs Costs Incurred, Development Costs Total operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating Income Other Income (Expense) Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss on debt extinguishment Interest expense Income before income taxes Net Income (Loss) Excluding Pre-acquisition Net Income (Loss) of Drop Down Assets Net Income excluding pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Net Income excluding pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Earnings Per Share Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. Class A and Class C Common Stockholders Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic and diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Earnings (Loss) per weighted average common share — basic and diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of income tax expense of $2, $7, and $0 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Summary of the components of the Company's intangible assets subject to amortization Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Buckthorn solar drop down asset Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Minimum Bridge Loan Bridge Loan [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2019 Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2019 [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2019 [Member] Outstanding borrowings Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Debt Covenant Leverage Ratio Debt Covenant Leverage Ratio Debt Covenant Leverage Ratio Borrowings from revolving credit facility Bridge credit agreement, borrowing amount Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Base rate and applicable margin for LIBOR loans Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Libor Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Libor Rate Imputed interest rate Sale Leaseback Transaction, Imputed Interest Rate Conversion price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Conversion ratio Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Value of equity component Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Equity Component of Convertible Debt Percent of face value Percent of face value Percent of face value Total market value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Common stock closing price Common Stock Closing Price Common Stock Closing Price Conversion value of convertible debt Conversion Value of Convertible Debt Conversion Value of Convertible Debt Aggregate principal amount repurchased Combined basis on effective rates Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Interest expense Interest Expense, Debt Debt discount amortization Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Debt issuance costs amortization Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Interest expense at effective rate Interest Expense at Effective Rate Interest Expense at Effective Rate Outstanding notional amount Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Percent of Required Need, Coverage Outstanding debt at time of acquisition Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Disclosure Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] U.S. Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Total — current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] U.S. Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total — deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income tax (benefit) expense Reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate to the Company's effective rate from continuing operations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Tax at 21%/35% Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount State taxes, net of federal benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Deferred state rate change due to deconsolidation from NRG Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - tax rate change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Impact of non-taxable equity earnings Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Investment Basis Adjustment, Amount Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Investment Basis Adjustment, Amount Investment tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Investment, Amount Production tax credits, including prior year true-up Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount Valuation allowance adjustment Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Valuation Allowance Adjustment, Amount Effective Income Tax Reconciliation, Valuation Allowance Adjustment, Amount Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Other, Amount Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Income tax provision from continuing operations Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate to the Company's effective rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and funds deposited to cash flow Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Funds Deposited to Cash Flow [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Funds Deposited to Cash Flow Disaggregation of revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Contract balances Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Schedule of asset retirement obligations Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Investments accounted for by the equity method and variable interest entities Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Natural Gas Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Natural Gas Natural Gas [Member] Interest Interest [Member] Details pertaining to interest rate swaps which are considered a derivative commodity. Notional amount, energy measure Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure Open derivative transactions Interest rate contracts current 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 contracts long-term 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 contracts current 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] Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Basic and diluted loss per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Diluted earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [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), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Losses expected to be realized from OCL during the next 12 months, net of income tax benefit of $1 Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Southern California Edison Southern California Edison [Member] Southern California Edison [Member] Conventional Generation Corporate Corporate Segment [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 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Other income, net Interest expense 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. Total Assets Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Investment in consolidated subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Note receivable - Clearway Energy Operating LLC Notes Receivable, Related Parties Other current liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Other non-current liabilities Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Management Service, Base Management Service, Base [Member] NRG Yield NRG Yield [Member] NRG Yield [Member] PML PML [Member] PML [Member] RENOM RENOM [Member] RENOM [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Operations and Maintenance services Operations and Maintenance services [Member] Operations and Maintenance services [Member] Related Party Transaction Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Total Emissions Credit Purchases Total Emissions Credit Purchases Total Emissions Credit Purchases Due to RENOM Due to Affiliate Related party transaction term Related Party Transaction Term Related Party Transaction Term Steam Energy Steam Energy Steam Energy Chilled Water Capacity Chilled Water Capacity Chilled Water Capacity Accumulated OCL ending balance, net of income tax benefit of $7, $9 and $16, respectively Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Change in Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Tax Amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Change in Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Tax Amount Losses expected to be realized from OCL during the next 12 months, net of income tax benefit of $1 Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months, Tax The estimated tax impact of existing gains or losses on cash flow hedges, at the reporting date, which are expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months. Paid Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Received Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash