Document Type Document Type Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Other income, net Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Ownership percentage by third party investor Asset Acquisition, Ownership Percentage by Third Party Investor Asset Acquisition, Ownership Percentage by Third Party Investor Agua Caliente Solar, LLC, Nonrecourse Credit Agreement, Federal Financing Bank, Due 2037 Agua Caliente Solar, LLC, Nonrecourse Credit Agreement, Federal Financing Bank, Due 2037 [Member] Agua Caliente Solar, LLC, Nonrecourse Credit Agreement, Federal Financing Bank, Due 2037 Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] DG-CS Master Borrower LLC, due 2040 DG-CS Master Borrower LLC, Due 2040 [Member] DG-CS Master Borrower LLC, Due 2040 Expenses from transactions with related party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Derivative asset Derivative asset, Net Amount Derivative Asset Refundable tax credit receivable Refundable Tax Credit Receivable Refundable Tax Credit Receivable CVSR Holdco Notes, due 2037 CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Distributions from noncontrolling interests, net of contribution, cash Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Reduction in carrying amount of right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Walnut Creek, due 2023 Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] Conventional Generation Conventional Generation [Member] Conventional Generation [Member] Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Operating Income Operating Income (Loss) Payments of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Including Rounding Adjustments Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Including Rounding Adjustments Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Including Rounding Adjustments Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Wind Power Generation Wind Power Generation [Member] Wind Power Generation Other Other Debt [Member] Represents other debt instruments not separately accounted disclosed. Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Contract Asset, Contract Liability, and Receivable [Table Text Block] Prepayments and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Transaction and integration costs Asset Acquisition, Acquisition Related Costs Asset Acquisition, Acquisition Related Costs Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Carlsbad Holdco, due 2038 Carlsbad Holdco, due 2038 [Member] Carlsbad Holdco, due 2038 Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Marsh Landing, due 2023 Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Accounts payable — trade Accounts Payable, Current Ownership interest Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Ownership Interest Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Derivative instruments Derivative Asset, Current Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share Restricted cash Asset Acquisition, Restricted Cash Asset Acquisition, Restricted Cash Payments for the revolving credit facility Payments for the revolving credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Right of use assets, net Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Loss on debt extinguishment Loss on debt extinguishment Loss on debt extinguishment Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Nature of Business [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Total derivative instruments, Gross Amounts Recognized Assets/Liabilities Fair Value of Gross Derivative Assets/(Liabilities), Net Fair value of gross derivative assets less fair value of gross derivative liabilities. Common Class B Common Class B [Member] Energy revenue Energy Revenue [Member] Energy Revenue [Member] 2025 Senior Notes 5.75% Senior Notes due 2025 [Member] 5.75% Senior Notes due 2025 [Member] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued 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 [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Capacity revenue Capacity Revenue [Member] Capacity Revenue [Member] Investments in unconsolidated affiliates Investment of cash Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments 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. Common stock, par value (in usd per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Energy Center Dover Energy Center Dover [Member] Energy Center Dover Valuation Approach and Technique [Domain] Valuation Approach and Technique [Domain] Accounts payable and other current liabilities Asset Acquisition, Account Payable and Other Current Liabilities Asset Acquisition, Account Payable and Other Current Liabilities Amount of restricted funds used to offset amounts under the PPAs Power Purchase Agreement, Refundable Tax Credit, Aggregate Amount Utilized Power Purchase Agreement, Refundable Tax Credit, Aggregate Amount Utilized Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Tapestry Wind LLC, due 2031 Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2031 [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2031 [Member] Stock-based compensation APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Inventory Inventory, Net Total revenue from contracts with customers Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Asset Acquisition [Axis] Asset Acquisition [Axis] Asset Acquisition Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted Contract amortization Less: Contract amortization Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Buckthorn Renewables, LLC Buckthorn Renewables, LLC [Member] Buckthorn Renewables, LLC [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Agua Caliente Solar LLC, due 2037 Agua Caliente Solar LLC, Due 2037 [Member] Agua Caliente Solar LLC, Due 2037 Payments for associated fees Payments for Other Fees Long Long [Member] Other currents assets Asset Acquisition, Other Assets, Current Asset Acquisition, Other Assets, Current Accounts receivable, net - Leases Lease Agreements [Member] Transaction and integration costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Contributions from, Distributions to CEG, non-cash Contributions from CEG, non-cash Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Distributions Paid Non-Cash, Net Of Contributions Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Distributions Paid Non-Cash, Net Of Contributions Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Preferred stock issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Business Combination and Asset Acquisition [Abstract] Business Combination and Asset Acquisition 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] Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Number of wholly owned subsidiaries Number of Wholly Owned Subsidiaries Number of Wholly Owned Subsidiaries Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Line of credit facility, fair value of amount outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Insurance proceeds Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Total derivative instruments, 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 proceeds from the issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Cost of operations, exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately below Cost of Revenue Amortization of intangibles 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. Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Assets Asset Acquisition, Current Assets Asset Acquisition, Current Assets Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Rattlesnake TE Holdco LLC Rattlesnake TE Holdco LLC [Member] Rattlesnake TE Holdco LLC Agua Caliente Agua Caliente [Member] Agua Caliente Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Schedule of Maximum Loss Exposure in Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Due to affiliate Due to Affiliate Related Party Transaction Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Estimated Carrying Values and Fair Values Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Generational Facilities and District Energy Systems Generational Facilities and District Energy Systems [Member] Generational Facilities and District Energy Systems Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Consolidation of DGPV Holdco 3 LLC Noncontrolling Interest, Increase From Consolidation Noncontrolling Interest, Increase From Consolidation Alta Wind I-V lease financing arrangements, 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] Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Utah Solar Portfolio UtahPortfolio [Member] UtahPortfolio Capital Unit, Class B Capital Unit, Class B [Member] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Asset Acquisition [Domain] Asset Acquisition [Domain] Asset Acquisition [Domain] Thermal Thermal [Member] Represents Thermal segment of the entity. Power generation capacity, megawatts (over) Power generation capacity, megawatts Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Agua Caliente acquisition Stock Issued During Period, Value, Acquisitions Entity common stock, shares outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] State of Hawaii State and Local Jurisdiction [Member] Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Derivative, notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 [Member] El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 [Member] Ownership interest (as a percentage) Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Long-term debt, including current portion Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Including Current Maturities Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock under the ATM Program Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Working capital and purchase price adjustments Asset Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital and Purchase Price Adjustments Asset Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital and Purchase Price Adjustments 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. Alta Wind Realty Investments LLC, due 2031 Alta Wind Realty Investments LLC, Due 2031 [Member] Alta Wind Realty Investments LLC, Due 2031 Total Assets Total Assets Assets Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Current Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Intangible assets for power purchase agreements, net Intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Nature of Business Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Accrued interest expense Interest Payable Interest expense Interest expense Interest Expense Acquisition and Dispositions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Depreciation, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization GenConn Gen Conn Energy LLC [Member] Represents the information pertaining to GenConn Energy LLC. Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Total Liabilities Liabilities Valuation Approach and Technique [Axis] Valuation Approach and Technique [Axis] Settlements Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Settlements Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Development costs Costs Incurred, Development Costs Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Changes in prepaid and accrued liabilities for tolling agreements Changes in Prepaid and Accrued Capacity Payments Changes in Prepaid and Accrued Capacity Payments Derivative liability, Derivative Instruments Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Exercised optionally redeemable remaining principal amount, not validly tendered and purchased in tender offer Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount, Optionally Exercised Remaining Principal, Not Validly Tendered And Purchased In Tender Offer Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount, Optionally Exercised Remaining Principal, Not Validly Tendered And Purchased In Tender Offer Changes in other working capital Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of tax Change in unrealized losses included in earnings for derivatives and other financial instruments held as of September 30, 2021 Interest Rate Contracts (Interest expense) Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Common stock, dividends, per share, cash paid (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Contributions from CEG, cash Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Clearway Energy, Inc. Clearway Energy, Inc. [Member] Clearway Energy, Inc. [Member] Total other assets Other current and non-current assets Other Assets Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Other current and non-current liabilities Asset Acquisition, Liabilities, Other Current and Noncurrent Asset Acquisition, Liabilities, Other Current and Noncurrent Derivative liability Derivative liability, Net Amount Derivative Liability 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] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Noncontrolling interest, decrease from redemptions or purchase of interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Common stock outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Equity investments in affiliates Equity Method Investments Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative asset/liability measurement input Derivative Asset (Liability) Net, Measurement Input Operating Costs and Expenses Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes Income (loss) before income tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Allocations of taxable income after (as a percentage) Income Allocation Percentage Income Allocation Percentage Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Common stock, authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Total assets acquired Asset Acquisition, Assets Acquired Asset Acquisition, Assets Acquired Long-term lease liabilities Asset Acquisition, Lease Liabilities, Noncurrent Asset Acquisition, Lease Liabilities, Noncurrent Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current Revenue Recognition and Contract Amortization Revenue [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Accumulated OCL ending balance, income tax benefit AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Tax Payments to fund project reserve accounts Payments to Fund Project Reserve Accounts Payments to Fund Project Reserve Accounts Debt Service Obligations Debt Service Obligations [Member] Debt Service Obligations [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Schedule of Asset Acquisition [Line Items] Schedule of Asset Acquisition [Line Items] Schedule of Asset Acquisition Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Long-term lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic [Table Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling interest Asset Acquisition Of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Asset Acquisition Of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value 2031 Senior Notes Senior Notes, 3 Point 750 Percent, Due 2031 [Member] Senior Notes, 3 Point 750 Percent, Due 2031 Fair Value Option, Disclosures Fair Value Option, Disclosures [Table Text Block] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share Weighted average remaining contract life Remaining Lease Term Remaining Lease Term Mesquite Star Mesquite Star HoldCo LLC [Member] Mesquite Star HoldCo LLC Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Comprehensive Income Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Other Financial Instruments Solar Renewable Energy Credits And Other Financial Instruments [Member] Solar Renewable Energy Credits And Other Financial Instruments Par value - preferred stock (in usd per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate to the Company's effective rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Capital Unit, Class [Domain] Capital Unit, Class [Domain] Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment City Area Code City Area Code Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Rattlesnake Class B LLC Credit Facility Rattlesnake Class B LLC Credit Facility [Member] Rattlesnake Class B LLC Credit Facility Sale of assets percentage ownership interest sold Sale Of Assets Percentage Ownership Interest Sold Sale Of Assets Percentage Ownership Interest Sold Measurement Input, Commodity Forward Price Measurement Input, Commodity Forward Price [Member] Voting Interest (as a percentage) 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 Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other intangible assets, net Other Intangible Assets, Net Net Income (Loss) Net (Loss) Income Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Reclassified from accumulated OCL to income due to realization of previously deferred amounts Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Debt Asset Acquisition, Long-term Debt Asset Acquisition, Long-term Debt Mt. Storm NedPower Mount Storm LLC [Member] NedPower Mount Storm LLC Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Power purchase agreement period Power Purchase Agreement Period Represents the period of power purchase agreement Renewables Renewables [Member] Renewables [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Acquisition consideration Asset Acquisition, Consideration, Gross Asset Acquisition, Consideration, Gross Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Payments to acquire productive assets Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Desert Sunlight Desert Sunlight [Member] Desert Sunlight Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Other Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Cover page. Cover [Abstract] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Other revenue Products And Services, Other [Member] Products And Services, Other [Member] WCEP Holdings, LLC, due 2023 WCEP Holdings LLC, Due 2023 [Member] WCEP Holdings LLC, Due 2023 Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Commodity Contracts (Mark-to-market economic hedging activities) Derivative, Loss on Derivative Equity method investment removed Asset Acquisition, Equity Method Investment Removed Asset Acquisition, Equity Method Investment Removed Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Total liabilities assumed Asset Acquisition, Liabilities Assumed Asset Acquisition, Liabilities Assumed Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Common Class C Common Class C [Member] Rosie Class B LLC, due 2027 Rosie Class B LLC, Due 2027 [Member] Rosie Class B LLC, Due 2027 Distributions Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, by Distribution Distributions Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, by Distribution [Table Text Block] Total operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Unrealized gain on derivatives, net of income tax benefit of $(2), $(1), $(3) and $0 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax Debt instrument, repurchased face amount Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount 2032 Senior Notes Senior Notes, 3 Point 750 Percent, Due 2032 [Member] Senior Notes, 3 Point 750 Percent, Due 2032 Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Low Minimum Minimum [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Less: Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest RENOM RENOM [Member] RENOM [Member] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Derivative gains and losses Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Payments for asset acquisition, net cash outflow Payments for Asset Acquisition, Net Cash Outflow Payments for Asset Acquisition, Net Cash Outflow Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Schedule of Restricted Cash Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Operating Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Repurchased face amount, subject to guaranteed delivery procedures Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount, Subject To Guaranteed Delivery Procedures Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount, Subject To Guaranteed Delivery Procedures Commodity contracts Commodity Contract [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Percent of derivative liabilities using level 3 fair value inputs Percent of Derivative Liabilities Using Level 3 Fair Value Inputs Percent of Derivative Liabilities Using Level 3 Fair Value Inputs Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Mesquite Star Tax Equity Holdco LLC Mesquite Star Tax Equity Holdco LLC [Member] Mesquite Star Tax Equity Holdco LLC Acquisition of Drop Down Asset Payments to Acquire Business, Two Payments to Acquire Business, Two Depreciation, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Oahu Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026 Oahu Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026 [Member] Oahu Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026 [Member] Cost of operations, exclusive of depreciation, amortization and accretion shown separately below Other Cost and Expense, Operating Less net debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Rosie TargetCo LLC Rosie TargetCo LLC [Member] Rosie TargetCo LLC Losses expected to be realized from OCL during the next 12 months, net of income tax benefit of $3 Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Energy Center Minneapolis Series D, E, F, G, H Notes, due 2025-2037 Energy Center Minneapolis Series D, E, F, G, H Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series D, E, F, G, H Notes [Member] Losses expected to be realized from OCL during the next 12 months, tax expense (benefit) 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. RPV Holdco 1 LLC RPV Holdco 1 LLC [Member] RPV Holdco 1 LLC Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Power purchase agreement period (in years) Power Purchase Remaining Agreement Period Power Purchase Remaining Agreement Period Accounts receivable — trade Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Noncontrolling interest, ownership percentage by parent Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Non-cash adjustments for change in tax basis Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Power Power [Member] Details pertaining to the power, which is considered as a derivative commodity. Lease income Operating Lease, Lease Income Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Buckthorn Solar, due 2025 Buckthorn Solar, due 2025 [Member] Buckthorn Solar, due 2025 [Member] Changes in deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Subtotal project-level debt: Project level debt Project Level Debt [Member] Project Level Debt [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Beginning balance Ending balance Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs Kawailoa Solar Portfolio LLC, due 2026 Kawailoa Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026 [Member] Kawailoa Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026 [Member] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, due 2038 Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, Due 2038 [Member] Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, Due 2038 Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Accounts payable — affiliates Due to Affiliate, Current Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Kawailoa Partnership Kawailoa Solar Partnership LLC [Member] Kawailoa Solar Partnership LLC [Member] Derivative Assets Derivative assets, Gross Amount of Recognized Assets/Liabilities Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Common stock, dividends, per share, declared (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Debt instrument, face amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Elkhorn Ridge Elkhorn Ridge [Member] Elkhorn Ridge Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Borrego, due 2024 and 2038 Borrego, Due 2024 and 2038 [Member] Borrego, Due 2024 and 2038 Total consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Short Short [Member] Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Asset purchase from affiliate Payments to Acquire Assets from Affiliate Payments to Acquire Assets from Affiliate Net assets acquired Net assets acquired Asset Acquisition, Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Asset Acquisition, Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Power Generation Facilities by Type [Domain] Power Generation Facilities by Type [Domain] Power Generation Facilities by Type [Domain] Derivative nonmonetary notional amount (energy measure) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] CVSR, due 2037 CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] Earnings (loss) per weighted average common share — basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic 2028 Senior Notes 4.75% Senior Notes due 2028 [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes due 2028 Laredo Ridge, due 2028 Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2028 [Member] Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2028 [Member] Entity File Number Entity File Number Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Commodity contracts long-term Commodity Contract Long-Term [Member] Commodity Contract Long-Term [Member] Intangible asset for power purchase agreement Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Borrowings Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Energy hedge with investment-grade counterparty (in years) Energy Hedge with Investment Grade Counterparty, Period Energy Hedge with Investment Grade Counterparty, Period Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Net Cash Used in Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Payments for long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Net contributions from noncontrolling interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Dividends to common stockholders and distributions to CEG Dividends, Common Stock Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Mark-to-market for economic hedges Less: Mark-to-market for economic hedges Revenue, Mark-to-market Hedging Activities Revenue, Mark-to-market Hedging Activities Derivative instruments Asset Acquisition, Derivative Instrument, Notional Amount Asset Acquisition, Derivative Instrument, Notional Amount Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D common stock, $0.01 par value; 3,000,000,000 shares authorized (Class A 500,000,000, Class B 500,000,000, Class C 1,000,000,000, Class D 1,000,000,000); 201,846,253 shares issued and outstanding (Class A 34,599,645, Class B 42,738,750, Class C 81,769,108, Class D 42,738,750) at September 30, 2021 and 201,635,990 shares issued and outstanding (Class A 34,599,645, Class B 42,738,750, Class C 81,558,845, Class D 42,738,750) at December 31, 2020 Common Stock, Value, Issued Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Payments of dividends and distributions Payments of Ordinary Dividends Other Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Rattlensake Down Rattlensake Down [Member] Rattlensake Down Less current maturities Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Total derivative instruments, 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 Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Purchases Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Purchases Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Common stock issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Total long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Derivative assets, Derivative Instruments Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Total accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Interest Expense Interest Expense [Member] Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Acquired membership interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Pinnacle Repowering Partnership LLC Pinnacle Repowering Partnership HoldCo LLC [Member] Pinnacle Repowering Partnership HoldCo LLC Lighthouse Renewable Holdco LLC(b) Lighthouse Renewable Holdco LLC [Member] Lighthouse Renewable Holdco LLC Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity Alta TE Holdco Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Unrealized loss on derivatives income tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification, Tax Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] San Juan Mesa San Juan Mesa [Member] San Juan Mesa General and administrative General and administrative expense General and Administrative Expense Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Outstanding antidilutive equity instruments (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Gain on disposal of asset components Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] 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] Derivative instruments Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Asset acquisition, restricted cash acquired Asset Acquisition, Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Asset Acquisition, Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Alta Wind Asset Management LLC, due 2031 Alta Wind Asset Management LLC, Due 2031 [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management LLC, Due 2031 Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other Other Consolidated Variable Interest Entities [Member] Other Consolidated Variable Interest Entities Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number 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] Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Repayment of debt at asset acquisition Repayment of Debt, Acquired in Asset Acquisition Repayment of Debt, Acquired in Asset Acquisition Net Income Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. Net income attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Cash provided by (used in) changes in other working capital Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, due 2027 Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, due 2027 [Member] Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, due 2027 Buyout of Repowering Partnership II LLC noncontrolling interest Payments to Noncontrolling Interests LIBOR London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Other comprehensive income Mark-to-market of cash flow hedge accounting contracts Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Add premiums Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Long Term Debt Current Long Term Debt Current [Member] Long Term Debt Current [Member] Changes in derivative instruments Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Assets and Liabilities Capital Unit, Class A Capital Unit, Class A [Member] Net assets less noncontrolling interests Net Assets Purpose [Axis] Purpose [Axis] Purpose 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] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Total current assets Assets, Current Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Repurchased amount, percent of face value Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount, Percent of Face Value Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount, Percent of Face Value Pinnacle Repowering Partnership Holdco LLC, due 2021 Pinnacle Repowering Partnership LLC, Due 2021 [Member] Pinnacle Repowering Partnership LLC, Due 2021 Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions, Net Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and redeemable interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Earnings Per Share Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. Class A and Class C Common Stockholders Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Asset Acquisition Schedule Of Asset Acquisition [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Asset Acquisition DGPV Funds DGPV Holdco 3 [Member] DGPV Holdco 3 [Member] Operating Funds Operating Funds [Member] Operating Funds [Member] CEG CEG [Member] CEG [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Tax Equity Investors Tax Equity Investors [Member] Tax Equity Investors [Member] Wildorado TE Holdco Wildorado TE Holdco [Member] Wildorado TE Holdco 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. Gain on sale of investment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Power Contracts Energy Related Derivative [Member] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Clearway Energy LLC Clearway Energy LLC [Member] Clearway Energy LLC [Member] Duquesne, due 2059 Duquesne Due 2059 [Member] Duquesne Due 2059 [Member] Public Shareholders Public Shareholders [Member] Public Shareholders Cash Distribution Cash Distribution [Member] Cash receipts from notes receivable Proceeds from Collection of Notes Receivable Debt instrument, redemption price, percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] [Line Items] for Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Avenal Avenal [Member] Avenal Distribution made to limited liability (LLC) member, distributions declared, per unit (in dollars per share) Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Distributions Declared, Per Unit Return of investment from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Accounts receivable, net - Contracts with customers Customer Contracts [Member] Schedule of Accumulated Amortization and Depreciation Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Clearway Energy LLC and Clearway Energy Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility, due 2023 Clearway Energy LLC and Clearway Energy Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility Clearway Energy LLC and Clearway Energy Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Clearway Energy LLC and Clearway Energy Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility NIMH Solar, due 2024 NIMH Solar, due 2024 [Member] NIMH Solar, due 2024 Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Deliverable power generation capacity, megawatts Deliverable Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts Deliverable Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts Property, Plant and Equipment Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Common Class A Common Class A [Member] Total losses for the period included in earnings Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Adjustment to noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Adjustment for Purchase of Interests Noncontrolling Interest, Adjustment for Purchase of Interests Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Net Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Additional loss on extinguishment to write off deferred financing fees Gain (Loss) On Extinguishment Of Deferred Financing Fees Gain (Loss) On Extinguishment Of Deferred Financing Fees Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Other Income (Expense) Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Purpose [Domain] Purpose [Domain] Purpose Right-of-use asset Asset Acquisition, Right-of-use asset Asset Acquisition, Right-of-use asset Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Cash and cash equivalents, held at project subsidiaries Other Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Economic Interest Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Total Stockholders' Equity Balance at beginning of period Balance at end of period Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Aqua Cliente Acquisition Aqua Cliente Acquisition [Member] Aqua Cliente Acquisition Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Total operating revenues Operating revenue Revenues Langford TE Partnership LLC Langford TE Partnership LLC [Member] Langford TE Partnership LLC Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Proceeds from sale of interests Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Third Party Investor Third Party Investor [Member] Third Party Investor [Member] Percent of other financial instruments using Level 3 fair value inputs Percent of Other Financial Instruments Using Level 3 Fair Value Inputs Percent of Other Financial Instruments Using Level 3 Fair Value Inputs Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at end of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Capital Units by Class [Axis] Capital Units by Class [Axis] AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate Gain on sale of unconsolidated affiliate Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Earnings (loss) per weighted average common share — diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] 2020 Convertible Notes 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] 2026 Senior Notes 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] 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. Total debt Debt instrument, carrying amount Long-term Debt, Gross Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Common Class D Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Natural Gas Natural Gas [Member] Asset acquisition, percentage equity interests acquired Asset Acquisition, Percentage Equity Interests Acquired Asset Acquisition, Percentage Equity Interests Acquired Derivative Liabilities Derivative liability, Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets/Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Prepayments and other current assets Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Member] Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization High Maximum Maximum [Member] Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Company Structure Organizational Structure [Table Text Block] Org Structure [Table Text Block] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent 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] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Offsetting of derivatives by counterparty master agreement level and collateral received or paid Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Other Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Construction loans Construction Loans [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Oahu Solar Partnership Oahu Solar Partnership [Member] Oahu Solar Partnership [Member] Schedule of Asset Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Asset Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Asset Acquisition Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Payments for asset acquisition Payments for Asset Acquisition Payments for Asset Acquisition Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Repurchase amount, total consideration Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Distribution made to limited liability company (LLC) member, distributions paid, per unit (in dollars per share) Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Distributions Paid, Per Unit Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Utah Solar Holdings, due 2036 Utah Solar Holdings, due 2036 [Member] Utah Solar Holdings, due 2036 Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair Value, Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Interest Interest [Member] Details pertaining to interest rate swaps which are considered a derivative commodity. Recently Adopted Accounting Policies New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Proceeds from the revolving credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]