Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Purpose [Axis] Purpose [Axis] Purpose [Axis] Purpose [Domain] Purpose [Domain] [Domain] for Purpose [Axis] 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] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Project Level Subsidiaries Project Level Subsidiaries [Member] Project Level Subsidiaries [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Other cash and cash equivalents 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 Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Clearway Energy, Inc. Clearway Energy, Inc. [Member] Clearway Energy, Inc. [Member] Clearway Energy LLC Clearway Energy LLC [Member] Clearway Energy LLC [Member] NRG NRG [Member] NRG [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] Shareholders Shareholders [Member] Shareholders [Member] CEG CEG [Member] CEG [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. Thermal Thermal [Member] Represents Thermal segment of the entity. 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] Nature of Business Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [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 percentage sold Ownership Interest Sold Ownership Interest Sold Economic ownership interest Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Power generation capacity, megawatts Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts The generation capacity of the entity's power generation facilities as of the balance sheet date, expressed in megawatts. Weighted average remaining PPA term Weighted Average Remaining PPA Term Weighted Average Remaining PPA Term Steam and chilled water capacity, megawatts 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. Ownership percentage Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable — trade Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts receivable — affiliates Due from Affiliate, 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] Equity investments in affiliates Equity Method Investments Intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Derivative instruments Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Other Assets Total Assets Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Current portion of long-term debt — external External Current Debt External Current Debt Current portion of long-term debt — affiliate Affiliate Current Debt Affiliate Current Debt Accounts payable — trade 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 — external Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term debt — affiliate Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Members' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Contributed capital Members' Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Noncontrolling interest Members' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Members' Equity Limited Liability Company (LLC) Members' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Line of credit fair value amount outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Letters of credit outstanding Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Proceeds from the revolving credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Leverage ratio Debt Covenant Leverage Ratio Debt Covenant Leverage Ratio Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] UPMC Thermal UPMC Thermal [Member] UPMC Thermal [Member] GenConn GCE Holding LLC [Member] Represents the GCE Holding LLC GCE Holding LLC which wholly-owns GenConn Energy LLC. Marsh Landing Marsh Landing [Member] Marsh Landing [Member] NRG Yield NRG Yield [Member] NRG Yield [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] 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 [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Revenue from related parties Revenue from Related Parties Expenses from transactions with related party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Steam Energy Steam Energy Steam Energy Chilled Water Capacity Chilled Water Capacity Chilled Water Capacity Related party transaction term Related Party Transaction Term Related Party Transaction Term Business combination consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred 2025 Senior Notes 5.75% Senior Notes due 2025 [Member] 5.75% Senior Notes due 2025 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] Long-term debt - affiliate, due 2019 Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2019 [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2019 [Member] Long-term debt - affiliate, due 2020 Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2020 [Member] Intercompany Credit Agreement due 2020 [Member] Total proceeds Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Interest rate stated rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Income Statement Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Cash Flow Statement Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Members' Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Distributions paid (in dollars per share) Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Distributions Paid, Per Unit Dividends Payable, Date Declared Dividends Payable, Date Declared Common stock dividends declared (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends date paid Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [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] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Lease liability Operating Lease, Liability Right-of-Use Asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Energy Center Minneapolis Series E Notes, due 2033 Energy Center Minneapolis Series E Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series E Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series F Notes, due 2033 Energy Center Minneapolis Series F Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series F Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series G Notes, due 2035 Energy Center Minneapolis Series G Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series G Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series H Notes, due 2037 Energy Center Minneapolis Series H Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series H Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series C, D, E, F, G, H Notes, due 2025-2037 Energy Center Minneapolis Series C Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series C Notes [Member] Repayments of debt Net borrowings Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt Maximum borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Customer Contracts Customer Contracts [Member] Lease Agreements Lease Agreements [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of Offsetting of Derivatives Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term Purchase Commitment Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Long-Term Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Revolving Credit Facility due in 2019 Revolving Credit Facility due in 2019 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility due in 2019 [Member] 2024 Senior Notes 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] 2026 Senior Notes 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] Agua Caliente Borrower 2, due 2038 Agua Caliente Borrower 2 [Member] Agua Caliente Borrower 2 [Member] Alpine, due 2022 Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Alta Wind I - V Lease financing arrangement [Member] Alta Wind I - V Lease financing arrangement [Member] Alta Wind I - V Lease financing arrangement [Member] 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] Buckthorn Solar, due 2025 Buckthorn Solar, due 2025 [Member] Buckthorn Solar, due 2025 [Member] CVSR, due 2037 CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] CVSR Holdco Notes, due 2037 CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 [Member] El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 [Member] 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] Energy Center Minneapolis Series C, D, E, F, G, H Notes, due 2025-2037 Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes, due 2031 Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes [Member] Laredo Ridge, due 2028 Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 [Member] Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 [Member] Kansas South, due in 2030 Kansas South, due in 2030 [Member] Kansas South, due in 2030 [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche B due 2023 Marsh Landing Tranche B due 2023 [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche B due 2023 [Member] Marsh Landing, due 2023 Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] South Trent Wind Due 2020 South Trent Wind Due 2020 [Member] South Trent Wind Due 2020 [Member] Tapestry, due 2021 Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 [Member] Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022 Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022 [Member] Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022 [Member] Viento, due 2023 Viento Funding II, Inc., due in 2023 [Member] Viento Funding II, Inc., due in 2023 [Member] Walnut Creek, due 2023 Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] Other Other Debt [Member] Represents other debt instruments not separately accounted disclosed. Project Level Debt Project Level Debt [Member] Project Level Debt [Member] Senior Notes Senior Notes Less current maturities Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Less net debt issuance costs Debt Issuance Costs, Net Total long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Floating Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] 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] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Commodity contracts (b) Commodity Contract [Member] Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [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) Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Condensed Consolidating Financial Information Condensed Financial Statements [Text Block] Members' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Summary of Net Assets Transferred in Connection with the Acquisition Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Blythe Blythe [Member] Blythe [Member] Spring Canyon Spring Canyon [Member] Spring Canyon [Member] Alta Wind XI Alta Wind XI [Member] Alta Wind XI [Member] 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] PPAs 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 Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Finite-lived Intangible Assets [Roll Forward] Intangible assets, beginning balance Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Asset Impairments Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Intangible assets ending balance Less accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net carrying amount Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Contra revenue intangibles amortization Contra Revenue Intangibles Amortization Intangibles Amortization recorded to contra-revenue account Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2023 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. Intangible assets useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Accumulated amortization of out of market contracts Accumulated Amortization of Out of Market Contracts Accumulated Amortization of Out of Market Contracts Amortization Amortization PG&E PG&E [Member] PG&E [Member] 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] 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. Credit risk maximum exposure Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Financial Instrument, Maximum Exposure Credit risk period Estimated Counterparty Credit Risk Exposure to Certain Counterparties, Period Estimated Counterparty Credit Risk Exposure to Certain Counterparties, Period Number of solar leases in portfolio Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] March 2017 Drop Down Assets March 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] March 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] Agua Caliente Solar(e) Utah Solar Portfolio Utah Portfolio [Member] Utah Portfolio [Member] November 2017 Drop Down Assets November 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] Buckthorn Solar Drop Down Asset Buckthorn Solar Drop Down Asset [Member] Buckthorn Solar Drop Down Asset [Member] CVSR CVSR [Member] CVSR [Member] Central CA Fuel Cell 1 Central CA Fuel Cell 1 [Member] Central CA Fuel Cell 1 [Member] August 2017 Drop Down Assets August 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] August 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Power purchase agreement period Power Purchase Agreement Period Represents the period of power purchase agreement Voting interest acquired Noncontrolling interest Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Allocations of taxable income from tax equity investor Allocations of Taxable Income From Tax Equity Investor Allocations of Taxable Income From Tax Equity Investor Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Taxable income allocation pre-flip Taxable Income Allocation, Pre-Flip Taxable Income Allocation, Pre-Flip Taxable income allocation, post flip Taxable Income Allocation, Post-Flip Taxable Income Allocation, Post-Flip Allocations of investor change percent Allocations of Investor Change Percent Allocations of Investor Change Percent Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Contingent consideration liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net 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 Equity method, ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Long-term debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Percentage Ownership Percentage of Ownership Percentage of Ownership Working capital Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Non-resource debt Non-Recourse Debt Net Gains and Losses Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Net Gains and Losses Other comprehensive, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Business Acquisition Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Notes receivable, including current portion Financing Receivable, Net Long-term debt, including current portion — external Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Conventional Conventional Generation [Member] Conventional Generation [Member] Renewables Renewables [Member] Renewables [Member] 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] Revenues Revenues Less: Contract amortization Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Less: Lease revenue Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Total revenue from contracts with customers Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other comprehensive (loss) income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income Attributable to NRG Yield LLC Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Lease revenue Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Unaudited Quarterly Data Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table] Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Company Parent Company [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Subsidiary Issuer Subsidiary Issuer [Member] Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items] Condensed Statement of Income Captions [Line Items] Unrealized gain on derivatives Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Contributed Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning of period Payment for Drop Down Asset Adjustment To Additional Paid In Capital, Payment To Acquire Business Under Common Control Adjustment To Additional Paid In Capital, Payment To Acquire Business Under Common Control Drop Down Assets contingent consideration Adjustment To Additional Paid In Capital, Payment To Acquire Business Under Common Control, Contingent Consideration Adjustment To Additional Paid In Capital, Payment To Acquire Business Under Common Control, Contingent Consideration Distributions and returns of capital, net of contributions Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Distributions And Return Of Capital, Net Of Cash Contributions Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Distributions And Return Of Capital, Net Of Cash Contributions Distributions paid, net of contributions - 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 Capital contributions, non-cash Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contributions, Non-Cash Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Capital Contributions, Non-Cash Capital contributions from tax equity investors Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Subsidiary Equity Issuance Proceeds from the issuance of Class C Common Stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Contributions from CEG, NRG, net of distributions, non-cash Noncontrolling Interest, Increase From Contributions, Non-Cash Noncontrolling Interest, Increase From Contributions, Non-Cash Distributions paid, non-cash Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Non-Cash Distributions Paid Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Non-Cash Distributions Paid Distributions paid Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Cash Distributions Paid Balance, end of period Company Organization Chart Company Organization Chart [Table Text Block] Company Organization Chart [Table Text Block] Assets: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets [Abstract] 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 Liabilities: Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities [Abstract] Debt (Current and non-current) 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 Less: noncontrolling interest Net assets acquired Net debt issuance costs Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] 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 Nature of Business Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Wind 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] November 2015 Drop Down Assets November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Repowering Partnership LLC Repowering Partnership LLC [Member] Repowering Partnership LLC [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. Spring Canyon II Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon III Spring Canyon III [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Percentage of cash available for distributions Percentage of Cash Available for Distributions Percentage of Cash Available for Distributions Less: Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other Assets Liabilities Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Net Assets Net Assets Offsetting Liabilities [Table] Offsetting Liabilities [Table] Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items] Offsetting Liabilities [Line Items] Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Assets [Abstract] Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets Derivative Instruments Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Net Amount Derivative Asset Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Offsetting Derivative Liabilities [Abstract] Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities Derivative Instruments Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Net Amount Derivative Liability Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets/Liabilities 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 Derivative, collateral, right to reclaim cash Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Collateral, obligation to return cash Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash 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 - December 31, 2029 Maturity - December 31, 2029 [Member] Maturity - December 31, 2029 [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 - 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] 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] 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] 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] % of Principal Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives Fixed Interest Rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Notional Amount at December 31, 2018 (In millions) Derivative, Notional Amount Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] 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 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 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 Net Cash Provided by (Used in) 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 Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net contributions from noncontrolling interests Proceeds from (Payments to) Noncontrolling Interests Net distributions and return of capital to NRG prior to the acquisition of Drop Down Assets Payments of Capital Distribution Proceeds from the issuance of class C units Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Payments of distributions Payments of Dividends Payments for the revolving credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — external Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payments of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payments for long-term debt — external Repayments of Long-term Debt Payments for long-term debt — affiliate Repayments of Related Party Debt Net Cash Used in Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities 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 Supplemental Disclosures Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid, net of amount capitalized Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities Non-cash investing and financing activities: Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] (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 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 Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Asset Impairments [Abstract] Asset Impairments [Abstract] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] 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] Elbow Creek Elbow Creek [Member] Elbow Creek [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] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class C [Member] Common Class C [Member] Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] 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 Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Rent expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Purchased power under long-term contracts Utilities Operating Expense, Purchased Power under Long-term Contracts Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months 2020 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years 2021 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years 2022 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years 2023 Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years Thereafter Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years Total Purchase Obligation 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] 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] 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] Remaining lease term Remaining Lease Term Remaining Lease Term Due to related parties Due to Related Parties Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Clearway Energy Operating LLC Clearway Energy Operating LLC [Member] Clearway Energy Operating LLC [Member] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Investment in consolidated subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Current portion of long-term debt — affiliate Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Interest Rate Contract Current [Member] Interest Rate Contract Current [Member] The current portion of a derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to the right to receive or pay a sum of money at a given interest rate. Interest Rate Contract Non Current [Member] Interest Rate Contract Non Current [Member] The noncurrent portion of a derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to the right to receive or pay a sum of money at a given interest rate. Commodity Contract Current [Member] Commodity Contract Current [Member] The current portion of a derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to commodity prices. Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Natural Gas [Member] Natural Gas [Member] Interest [Member] Interest [Member] Details pertaining to interest rate swaps which are considered a derivative commodity. Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] [Line Items] for Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Contingent rental income Operating Leases, Income Statement, Contingent Revenue Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Sale Leaseback Transaction, Imputed Interest Rate Sale Leaseback Transaction, Imputed Interest Rate Notional amount percent of required need coverage Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Percent of Required Need, Coverage Income Statement [Abstract] Operating Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Total operating revenues Operating Costs and Expenses Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of operations Cost of Revenue Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Development costs Costs Incurred, Development Costs Total operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating Income Operating Income (Loss) 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 Interest Expense Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Net Income Net Income Attributable to Clearway Energy LLC Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent 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] Facilities and equipment 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 Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, 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 Schedule of Unaudited Quarterly Data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Axis] Restatement [Domain] Restatement [Domain] As Previously Reported Previously Reported [Member] Operating Income Net Income Attributable to Clearway Energy LLC Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Changes in investments in consolidated subsidiaries Intercompany (Payments to) Receipts from Consolidated Subsidiaries Intercompany (Payments to) Receipts from Consolidated Subsidiaries Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired Acquisition of Drop Down Assets, net of cash acquired Net distributions and return of capital to NRG prior to the acquisition of Drop Down Assets Transfer of funds under intercompany cash management arrangement Proceeds from Payments to Intercompany Loans The cash inflow or outflow associated with intercompany loans for related parties. Proceeds from the issuance of Class C units (Payments of) proceeds from distributions Payments of (Proceeds from) distributions Payments of (Proceeds from) distributions Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Management Service, Base Management Service, Base [Member] PML PML [Member] PML [Member] RENOM RENOM [Member] RENOM [Member] Due to related party Due to Affiliate Total Emissions Credit Purchases Total Emissions Credit Purchases Total Emissions Credit Purchases Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Abstract] Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Balance as of December 31, 2017 Asset Retirement Obligation Revisions in estimates for current obligations/Additions Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Accretion — expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Balance as of December 31, 2018 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] Notes Receivable Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue [Policy Text Block] Revenue [Policy Text Block] Derivatives 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 Investments Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block] Sale Leaseback Arrangements Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Pension Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy [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] Asset Impairments Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Bridge Loan Bridge Loan [Member] Basis spread on LIBOR rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Libor Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Libor Rate 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] Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Desert Sunlight Desert Sunlight [Member] Desert Sunlight [Member] Other Investments, Other [Member] Investments, Other [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Current assets Non-current assets Assets, Noncurrent Current liabilities Non-current liabilities Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Parent Parent [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated OCL beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Reclassified from accumulated OCL to income due to realization of previously deferred amounts Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Mark-to-market of cash flow hedge accounting contracts Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Accumulated OCL beginning balance Losses expected to be realized from OCL during the next 12 months Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Equity in earnings (losses) of consolidated affiliates Equity in Earnings of Consolidated Subsidiaries This item represents the proportionate share of the parent in the earnings of the consolidated subsidiaries. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule of Contract Balances Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Elkhorn Ridge Elkhorn Ridge Wind, LLC [Member] Elkhorn Ridge Wind, LLC [Member] San Juan Mesa San Juan Mesa Wind Project, LLC [Member] San Juan Mesa Wind Project, LLC [Member] Avenal Avenal [Member] Avenal [Member] 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 Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value Hierarchy of Long-term Debt Fair Value Option, Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] 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 Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] SCE Southern California Edison [Member] Southern California Edison [Member] 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 Method Investments Total Assets 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.