Accounting Policies [Abstract] 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] Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Concentrations of Credit Risk Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Asset Retirement Obligations Asset Retirement Obligation [Policy Text Block] Guarantees Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties Policies [Policy Text Block] Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block] Leases Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Tax Equity Arrangements Tax Equity Arrangements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Tax Equity Arrangements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Developments New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] November 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Agua Caliente Borrower 1, due 2038 [Member] Agua Caliente Borrower 1, due 2038 [Member] Agua Caliente Borrower 1, due 2038 [Member] Agua Caliente Borrower 2 [Member] Agua Caliente Borrower 2 [Member] Agua Caliente Borrower 2 [Member] Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022 [Member] Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022 [Member] Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022 [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Commodity contracts Commodity Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3 Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers out of Level 3 Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Derivative Assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Transfers into Level 3 Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount Fair Value, Assets, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 1 to Level 2 Transfers, Amount Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount Fair Value, Liabilities, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Interest rate contracts current Interest Rate Contract Current [Member] The current portion of a derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to the right to receive or pay a sum of money at a given interest rate. Interest rate contracts long-term Interest Rate Contract Non Current [Member] The noncurrent portion of a derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to the right to receive or pay a sum of money at a given interest rate. Commodity contracts current Commodity Contract Current [Member] The current portion of a derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to commodity prices. Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] 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. Measurement Unit [Axis] Measurement Unit [Axis] Represents information pertaining to various measurement units. Measurement Unit [Domain] Measurement Unit [Domain] Represents various measurement units used by the entity. MMbtu [Member] MMbtu [Member] Represents unit of measurement that is used to measure quantity of natural gas. Dollars United States of America, Dollars Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Notional Amount Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative instruments — affiliate Derivative Asset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liability Derivative Liability Fair Value of Gross Derivative Assets/(Liabilities), Net Fair Value of Gross Derivative Assets/(Liabilities), Net Fair value of gross derivative assets less fair value of gross derivative liabilities. Derivative Asset Fair Value Gross Liability Net Of Derivative Liability Fair Value Gross Asset Derivative Asset Fair Value Gross Liability Net Of Derivative Liability Fair Value Gross Asset Derivative Asset Fair Value Gross Liability Net Of Derivative Liability Fair Value Gross Asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Net Of Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Net Of Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Net Of Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Amount Offset Against Collateral Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Asset Impairments [Abstract] Asset Impairments [Abstract] Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Desert Sunlight [Member] Desert Sunlight [Member] Desert Sunlight [Member] CVSR [Member] CVSR [Member] CVSR [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Agua Caliente [Member] Agua Caliente [Member] Agua Caliente [Member] Avenal [Member] Avenal [Member] Avenal [Member] GCE Holding LLC [Member] GCE Holding LLC [Member] Represents the GCE Holding LLC GCE Holding LLC which wholly-owns GenConn Energy LLC. NRG DGPV Holdco 2 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 2 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 2 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 3 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 3 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 3 [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Pro-Rate Share of Debt Held by Unconsolidated Affiliates Pro-Rate Share of Debt Held by Unconsolidated Affiliates Pro-Rate Share of Debt Held by Unconsolidated Affiliates Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage 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. Power Purchase Agreement Period Power Purchase Agreement Period Represents the period of power purchase agreement Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Total operating revenues Revenues Operating Income Operating Income (Loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Current assets Assets, Current Non-current assets Assets, Noncurrent Liabilities, Current Liabilities, Current Liabilities, Noncurrent Liabilities, Noncurrent Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Affiliated Entity [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] NRG Yield [Member] NRG Yield [Member] NRG Yield [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Statement Statement [Line Items] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investment in consolidated subsidiaries Investment in Consolidated Subsidiaries Investment in Consolidated Subsidiaries Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Proceeds from the issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Payments of Financing Costs Payments of Financing Costs Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] NRG Yield LLC [Member] NRG Yield LLC [Member] NRG Yield LLC [Member] 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 Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Payments of Capital Distribution Payments of Capital Distribution Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] NRG [Member] NRG [Member] NRG [Member] Power Generation Facilities by Type [Axis] Power Generation Facilities by Type [Axis] The types of power generation facilities included in the entity's total global generation portfolio. Power Generation Facilities, Type [Domain] Power Generation Facilities, Type [Domain] Listing of power generation facilities included in the entity's total global generation portfolio. Utility-Scale Solar [Member] Utility-Scale Solar [Member] Utility-Scale Solar [Member] Utah Portfolio [Member] Utah Portfolio [Member] Utah Portfolio [Member] Elkhorn Ridge Wind, LLC [Member] Elkhorn Ridge Wind, LLC [Member] Elkhorn Ridge Wind, LLC [Member] San Juan Mesa Wind Project, LLC [Member] San Juan Mesa Wind Project, LLC [Member] San Juan Mesa Wind Project, LLC [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 1 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 1 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 1 [Member] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] Percentage of Cash Available for Distributions Percentage of Cash Available for Distributions Percentage of Cash Available for Distributions Percentage of Ownership Percentage of Ownership Percentage of Ownership Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] March 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] March 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] March 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement of Stockholders' Equity Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] Total Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Assets Acquired, Drop Down Assets Net Assets Acquired, Drop Down Assets Net Assets Acquired, Drop Down Assets Net Income Excluding Pre-acquisition Net (Loss) Income of Drop Down Assets Net Income excluding pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Net Income excluding pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Less: Pre-acquisition net income (loss) of Drop Down Assets Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle Income Tax Effects Allocated Directly to Equity, Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Principle Gross Payment to Acquire Business under Common Control Gross Payment to Acquire Business under Common Control Gross Payment to Acquire Business under Common Control Payment to Acquire Business under Common Control Payment to Acquire Business under Common Control Payment to Acquire Business under Common Control Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Net contributions from noncontrolling interests Proceeds from (Payments to) Noncontrolling Interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Non-cash return of capital and distributions to NRG, net of contributions 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 Payment of capital distributions and returns of capital, net of capital contributions Payment of capital distributions and returns of capital, net of capital contributions Payment of capital distributions and returns of capital, net of capital contributions Share-based Compensation Share-based Compensation Non-cash adjustment for change in tax basis of assets Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Equity Component of Convertible Debt Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Equity Component of Convertible Debt Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net Income Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Amortization of intangibles and out-of-market contracts Amortization of Intangibles and Out of Market Contracts The aggregate (income) expense recorded in earnings to allocate the cost of out-of-market contracts and intangible assets (nonphysical assets not used in production) in a systematic and rational manner to the periods expected to benefit from such assets. As a noncash (income) expense, this element is added back to net income when calculating cash provided by (used in) operations using the indirect method. Loss on debt extinguishment Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Change in deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Impairment losses Asset Impairment Charges Changes in derivative instruments Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Assets and Liabilities Loss on disposal of asset components Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Changes in prepaid and accrued capacity payments Changes in Prepaid and Accrued Capacity Payments Changes in Prepaid and Accrued Capacity Payments Changes in other working capital Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisition of Drop Down Assets, net of cash acquired Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Cash receipts from notes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivables Return of investment from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Investments in unconsolidated affiliates Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net distributions and return of capital to NRG prior to the acquisition of Drop Down Assets Payments of dividends and distributions Payments of Dividends Proceeds from the revolving credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Payments for the revolving credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Payments of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payments for long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at End of Period Interest paid, net of amount capitalized Interest Paid, Net 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 Decrease to fixed assets for deferred tax asset Decrease in Fixed Assets, Deferred Tax Asset The decrease in fixed assets for deferred tax assets Non-cash return of capital and distributions to NRG, net of contributions Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at Beginning of Period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Spring Canyon [Member] Spring Canyon [Member] Spring Canyon [Member] Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Axis] Period [Domain] Period [Domain] [Domain] for Period [Axis] Pre-Flip Point [Member] Pre-Flip Point [Member] Pre-Flip Point [Member] Post-Flip Point [Member] Post-Flip Point [Member] Post-Flip Point [Member] Pre-determined Date Through Flip Point If Flip Has Not Occured [Member] Pre-determined Date Through Flip Point If Flip Has Not Occured [Member] Pre-determined Date Through Flip Point If Flip Hasn't Occured [Member] Second Year through Flip Point [Member] Second Year through Flip Point [Member] Second Year through Flip Point [Member] Other Ownership Interests Name [Axis] Other Ownership Interests Name [Axis] Other Ownership Interests, Name [Domain] Other Ownership Interests, Name [Domain] Financial Institutions [Member] Financial Institutions [Member] Represents the information pertaining to the financial institutions. Wind Farms [Member] Wind Farms [Member] Wind farm generation capacity. Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] August 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] August 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] August 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] Other Assets Other Assets Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Number of Facilities Number of Facilities Number of Facilities 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 Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Assets Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Liabilities Liabilities Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Net Assets Net Assets Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of income tax (expense) benefit of ($7), $0, and $10 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Mark-to-market of cash flow hedge accounting contracts Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive (Loss) Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (Loss) Income Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent UB Fuel Cell [Member] UB Fuel Cell [Member] UB Fuel Cell [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] Supply Commitment [Member] Supply Commitment [Member] Supply Commitment Arrangement [Domain] Supply Commitment Arrangement [Domain] Southern California Edison [Member] Southern California Edison [Member] Southern California Edison [Member] Pacific Gas and Electric [Member] Pacific Gas and Electric [Member] Pacific Gas and Electric [Member] Thermal [Member] Thermal [Member] Represents Thermal segment of the entity. Weighted average remaining amortization period (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Schedule of Effective Interest Rate [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Interest Rate [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Interest Rate [Table Text Block] Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Summary of swaps related to the Company's project level debt Schedule of Derivative Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of annual payments based on the maturities of NRG Yield's debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Common Class C [Member] Common Class C [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility [Member] NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility [Member] NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt Convertible Debt Convertible Debt Interest Expense, Debt Interest Expense, Debt Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of Financing Costs Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs Interest Expense at Effective Rate Interest Expense at Effective Rate Interest Expense at Effective Rate Senior Notes Senior Notes Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Percent of face value Percent of face value Percent of face value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Common Stock Closing Price Common Stock Closing Price Common Stock Closing Price Conversion Value of Convertible Debt Conversion Value of Convertible Debt Conversion Value of Convertible Debt Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Debt Instrument Period [Axis] Debt Instrument Period [Axis] Debt Instrument Period [Axis] Debt Instrument Period [Domain] Debt Instrument Period [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Instrument Period [Axis] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis Series F Notes [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis Series F Notes [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis Series F Notes [Member] CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Amendment Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Amendment Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Amendment Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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 [Member] Capital Unit, Class A [Member] Capital Unit, Class B [Member] Capital Unit, Class B [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV 1 [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV 1 [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV 1 [Member] Existing Portfolio of Leases [Member] Existing Portfolio of Leases [Member] Existing Portfolio of Leases [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco [Member] Revenues Due to Affiliate Due to Affiliate Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Remaining Lease Term Remaining Lease Term Remaining Lease Term Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Nature of Business Disclosure [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Unconsolidated Solar Partnerships [Member] Unconsolidated Solar Partnerships [Member] Unconsolidated Solar Partnerships [Member] Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Axis] Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Axis] Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Domain] Long-term Contract for Purchase of Electric Power [Domain] NRG Yield LLC NRG GenConn Middletown [Member] GenConn Middletown [Member] GenConn Middletown [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] Marsh Landing Marsh Landing [Member] Marsh Landing [Member] El Segundo [Member] El Segundo [Member] El Segundo [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] Alpine [Member] Alpine [Member] Alpine [Member] Avra Valley [Member] Avra Valley [Member] Avra Valley [Member] NRG Solar Blythe LLC [Member] NRG Solar Blythe LLC [Member] Represents NRG Solar Blythe LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the entity. Borrego [Member] Borrego [Member] Borrego [Member] NRG Solar Roadrunner LLC [Member] NRG Solar Roadrunner LLC [Member] NRG Solar Roadrunner LLC [Member] RE Kansas South [Member] RE Kansas South [Member] RE Kansas South [Member] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] AZ DG Solar Projects AZ DG Solar Projects [Member] AZ DG Solar Projects [Member] PFMG DG Solar Projects PFMG DG Solar Projects [Member] PFMG DG Solar Projects [Member] SPP Projects [Member] SPP Projects [Member] SPP Projects [Member] Other DG Assets [Member] Other DG Assets [Member] Other DG Assets [Member] Alta I [Member] Alta I [Member] Alta I [Member] Alta II [Member] Alta II [Member] alta II [Member] Alta III [Member] Alta III [Member] Alta III Alta IV [Member] Alta IV [Member] Alta IV [Member] Alta V [Member] Alta V [Member] Alta V [Member] Alta X [Member] Alta X [Member] Alta X [Member] Alta XI [Member] Alta XI [Member] Alta XI [Member] South Trent South Trent Holding LLC [Member] South Trent Holding LLC [Member] Spanish Fork [Member] Spanish Fork [Member] Spanish Fork [Member] Laredo Ridge [Member] Laredo Ridge [Member] Laredo Ridge [Member] Lookout [Member] Lookout [Member] Lookout [Member] Odin Wind Farm [Member] Odin Wind Farm [Member] Odin Wind Farm [Member] Taloga [Member] Taloga [Member] Taloga [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Sleeping Bear [Member] Sleeping Bear [Member] Sleeping Bear [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Crosswinds [Member] Crosswinds [Member] Crosswinds [Member] Elbow Creek [Member] Elbow Creek [Member] Elbow Creek [Member] Forward [Member] Forward [Member] Forward [Member] Goat Wind [Member] Goat Wind [Member] Goat Wind [Member] Hardin [Member] Hardin [Member] Hardin [Member] Wildorado [Member] Wildorado [Member] Wildorado [Member] NRG Energy Center Dover [Member] NRG Energy Center Dover [Member] NRG Energy Center Dover [Member] Conventional Generation [Member] Conventional Generation [Member] Conventional Generation [Member] Utility-Scale Solar Distributed Solar Distributed Solar [Member] Distributed solar generation capacity. Nature of Business Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Steam and Chilled Water Capacity, Megawatts Thermal Equivalent Steam and Chilled Water Capacity, Megawatts Thermal Equivalent The generation capacity of the entity's thermal power generation facilities as of the balance sheet date, expressed in megawatts thermal equivalent. Megawatts Thermal Equivalent, Available Under right-to-use Provisions Megawatts Thermal Equivalent, Available Under right-to-use Provisions Megawatts Thermal Equivalent, Available Under right-to-use Provisions Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts attributed to noncontrolling interest Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts attributed to noncontrolling interest Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts attributed to noncontrolling interest Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest Summary of the components of the Company's intangible assets subject to amortization Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Disclosure Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Nature of Business Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Member] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Debt Issuance Costs, Net Debt Issuance Costs, Net Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Financial Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Financial Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Other Liabilities Other Liabilities Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Net Gains and Losses Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Net Gains and Losses Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Operating Expenses Operating Expenses Equity in Earnings of Consolidated Subsidiaries Equity in Earnings of Consolidated Subsidiaries This item represents the proportionate share of the parent in the earnings of the consolidated subsidiaries. Interest Expense Interest Expense Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] 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] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Net Financing Receivable, Net Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Nature of Business [Line Items] Nature of Business [Line Items] [Line Items] for Nature of Business [Table] Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Earnings (Loss) Per Share Disclosure [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. Class A common stockholders Earnings Per Share Attributable To Reporting Entity Shareholders Basic [Abstract] Numerator: Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Net (loss) income attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Weighted average number of common shares outstanding — basic and diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Basic and diluted loss per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] (Loss) Earnings per weighted average common share — basic and diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Net notional volume buy/(sell) of NRG Yield's open derivative transactions broken out by commodity Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Fair value within the derivative instrument valuation on the balance sheets Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Offsetting of derivatives by counterparty master agreement level and collateral received or paid Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Effects of NRG Yield's accumulated OCI balance attributable to interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedge derivatives, net of tax Schedule of Cash Flow Hedges Included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Funds Deposited to Cash Flow [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Funds Deposited to Cash Flow [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Funds Deposited to Cash Flow Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] PG&E [Member] PG&E [Member] PG&E [Member] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Conventional Generation Renewables Renewables [Member] Renewables [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 Cost of operations Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Operating Income Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Income Before Income Taxes Equity investments in affiliates Capital Expenditures Capital Expenditures Represents amount of total Capital expenditures including accruals pertaining to repowering of entity's projects, major maintenance and meeting environmental commitments. Total Assets Common Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Loss expected to be realized from OCI during the next 12 months, net of tax Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Change in Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Tax Amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Change in Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Tax Amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Change in Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Tax Amount Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months, Tax 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. IPO of NRG Yield IPO of NRG Yield [Table Text Block] [Table Text Block] for IPO of NRG Yield [Table] The Company's operating assets are comprised of the following projects: Schedule of Ownership Percentage, Net Capacity, Offtake Counterparty and Year of Offtake Expiration by Operating Asset [Table Text Block] Schedule of Ownership Percentage, Net Capacity, Offtake Counterparty and Year of Offtake Expiration by Operating Asset [Table Text Block] Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents 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 Non-Recourse Debt Non-Recourse Debt Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Fair Value Assets, Measured on Recurring Basis, Valuation Techniques, Impact of Credit Reserve to Fair Value Fair Value Assets, Measured on Recurring Basis, Valuation Techniques, Impact of Credit Reserve to Fair Value This element represents the increase (decrease) to fair value from applying a credit reserve to reflect credit risk on the valuation techniques used to measure fair value of Level 2 and 3 derivative contracts which is calculated based on credit default swaps. Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Financial Instrument, Maximum Exposure Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Financial Instrument, Maximum Exposure Estimated Counterparty Credit Risk Exposure to Certain Counterparties, Period Estimated Counterparty Credit Risk Exposure to Certain Counterparties, Period Estimated Counterparty Credit Risk Exposure to Certain Counterparties, Period Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] January 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] January 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] January 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] Alta Wind XI [Member] Alta Wind XI [Member] Alta Wind XI [Member] Customer Contracts Customer Contracts [Member] Customer Relationships Customer Relationships [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Emission Allowances [Member] Emission Allowances [Member] An asset acquired in a business combination representing an entity's emission allowances. Research and Development Expense [Member] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Leasehold Rights [Member] Leasehold Rights [Member] Leasehold Rights [Member] Out of Market Contracts [Member] Out of Market Contracts [Member] Out of Market Contracts [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Gross amount at the end of the period Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Other Changes Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Other Changes This element represents other additions or reductions to finite-lived intangible assets during the period. Gross amount at the beginning of the period Less accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Net carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Out of Market Contracts Out of Market Contracts Represents out-of-market contracts, which relate to customer contracts, energy supply contracts, power contracts, gas swaps, and certain coal contracts, where the contracted commodity price was less than the market price for revenue contracts and greater than market for cost contracts as of the acquisition date for contracts acquired in a business combination or the date of emergence from bankruptcy. The customer contracts, gas swaps and power contracts are amortized to revenues while the energy supply contracts and coal contracts are amortized to cost of operations over the term of the contracts. Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Contra Revenue Intangibles Amortization Contra Revenue Intangibles Amortization Intangibles Amortization recorded to contra-revenue account Accumulated Amortization of Out of Market Contracts Accumulated Amortization of Out of Market Contracts Accumulated Amortization of Out of Market Contracts Amortization Amortization Estimated amortization related to the Company's finite-lived intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Estimated intangible assets amortization, 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Estimated intangible assets amortization, 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Estimated intangible assets amortization, 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Estimated intangible assets amortization, 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Estimated intangible assets amortization, 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Entities that are not consolidated [Member] Entities that are not consolidated [Member] Entities that are not consolidated [Member] Summarized financial information of equity method investment Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] NRG Yield, Inc - BS [Abstract] NRG Yield, Inc - BS [Abstract] Investments in subsidiaries Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures Notes Receivable, Related Parties Notes Receivable, Related Parties Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Total Assets Other Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities, Current Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock, Value, Issued Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Stockholders' Equity Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock Class of Stock [Line Items] Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Operating Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Operating Costs and Expenses Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of operations Cost of Revenue Total operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Other Income (Expense) Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Other income, net Interest expense Net (Loss) Income Excluding Pre-acquisition Net Income (Loss) of Drop Down Assets Earnings Per Share Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. Class A and Class C Common Stockholders Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings Per Share, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Dividends Per Class A Common Share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Disclosure Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] U.S. Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Total — current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] U.S. Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total — deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Effective tax rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent U.S. federal statutory rate (as a percent) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate to the Company's effective rate from continuing operations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] Tax at 35% Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount State taxes, net of federal benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Investment tax credits Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Investment, Amount Impact of non-taxable partnership earnings Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount Production tax credits, including prior year true-up Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Deduction, Qualified Production Activity, Amount Change in state effective tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Other, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Other, Amount Maturity Date [Axis] Maturity Date [Axis] Maturity Date [Axis] Maturity Date [Domain] Maturity Date [Domain] [Domain] for Maturity Date [Axis] Other Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] Represents other debt instruments not separately accounted disclosed. Project [Domain] Project [Domain] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Alta Wind I-V, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 and 2035 [Member] Alta Wind I-V, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 and 2035 [Member] Alta Wind I-V, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 and 2035 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche A [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche A [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche A [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes [Member] Represents senior secured notes financed by NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC, which are due 2013, 2017, and 2025. Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 [Member] Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 [Member] Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 [Member] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 [Member] Viento Funding II, Inc., due in 2023 [Member] Viento Funding II, Inc., due in 2023 [Member] Viento Funding II, Inc., due in 2023 [Member] Alta Wind I - V Lease financing arrangement [Member] Alta Wind I - V Lease financing arrangement [Member] Alta Wind I - V Lease financing arrangement [Member] Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] WCEP Holdings, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] WCEP Holdings, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] WCEP Holdings, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche B [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche B [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement due 2023 Tranche B [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche B due 2023 [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche B due 2023 [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche B due 2023 [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes, due 2025 [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes, due 2025 [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes, due 2025 [Member] Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] NRG Wind TE Holdco [Member] NRG Wind TE Holdco [Member] NRG Wind TE Holdco Thermal [Member] NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] Marsh Landing [Member] NECP [Member] NECP [Member] NECP [Member] NRG Repowering Holdings LLC [Member] NRG Repowering Holdings LLC [Member] NRG Repowering Holdings LLC [Member] NRG RENOM [Member] NRG RENOM [Member] NRG Renew Operations & Maintenance LLC Scenario, Plan [Member] Scenario, Plan [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Operations and Maintenance services [Member] Operations and Maintenance services [Member] Operations and Maintenance services [Member] Related Party Transaction Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Management Services Fee, Annual Service Management Costs Management Services Fee, Increase Service Management Costs, Fee Increase Service Management Costs, Fee Increase Repayments of Accounts Payable, Affiliate Repayments of Accounts Payable, Affiliate Repayments of Accounts Payable, Affiliate Accounts payable — affiliate Due to Affiliate, Current Revenue from Related Parties Revenue from Related Parties Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party coal, gas purchases coal, gas purchases coal, gas purchases Cost of Natural Gas Purchases Cost of Natural Gas Purchases Related Party Transaction, Amount to be Paid Upon Completion of Project Related Party Transaction, Amount to be Paid Upon Completion of Project Related Party Transaction, Amount to be Paid Upon Completion of Project Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table Text Block] Future minimum lease commitments under operating leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Net deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross [Abstract] Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities, Investment in Noncontrolled Affiliates Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract] Deferred Tax Assets, Gross [Abstract] Production tax credits carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Derivative Instruments Investment tax credits Deferred Tax Assets, Other U.S. Federal net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, Domestic Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Capital Loss Carryforwards State net operating loss carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards, State and Local Total deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Excluding Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Excluding Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Excluding Valuation Allowance Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Operating Leases, Rent Expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Utilities Operating Expense, Purchased Power under Long-term Contracts Utilities Operating Expense, Purchased Power under Long-term Contracts Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years Purchase Obligation Purchase Obligation Estimated carrying values and fair values of the Company's recorded financial instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Option, Quantitative Disclosures [Table Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Purpose [Axis] Purpose [Axis] Purpose [Axis] Long-Term Debt, Current [Member] Long-Term Debt, Current [Member] Long-Term Debt, Current [Member] Operating Expense [Member] Operating Expense [Member] Cash Distribution [Member] Cash Distribution [Member] Reserves [Member] Reserves [Member] Reserves [Member] Project Level Subsidiaries [Member] Project Level Subsidiaries [Member] Project Level Subsidiaries [Member] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] [Line Items] for Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Other Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Other Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Income Taxes, Threshold Percentage Income Taxes, Threshold Percentage The percentage that is likely to be realized upon settlement which is used as a basis of recording unrecognized tax benefits for income tax positions that have surpassed the more-likely-than-not threshold. Contingent Rental Income Associated with PPAs Operating Leases, Income Statement, Contingent Revenue Asset Retirement Obligation Asset Retirement Obligation Deferred Tax Assets, Net Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Over-Allotment Option [Member] Over-Allotment Option [Member] Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Distributions Paid, Per Unit Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Distributions Paid, Per Unit ATM Program, Maximum Dollar Value of Shares to Be Issued ATM Program, Maximum Dollar Value of Shares to Be Issued ATM Program, Maximum Dollar Value of Shares to Be Issued Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Before Commission Fees Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Before Commission Fees Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock, Before Commission Fees Investment Banking, Advisory, Brokerage, and Underwriting Fees and Commissions Investment Banking, Advisory, Brokerage, and Underwriting Fees and Commissions ATM program, dollar value of shares remaining ATM program, dollar value of shares remaining ATM program, dollar value of shares remaining Dividends Payable, Date Declared Dividends Payable, Date Declared Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Dividends Payable, Date of Record Dividends Payable, Date of Record Unrealized gain/loss on derivatives, income tax benefit/(expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Accounts receivable — trade Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventory Inventory, Net Notes receivable — current Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Prepayments and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Property, plant and equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Other Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Intangible assets, net Deferred income taxes Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Other Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Stockholders' Equity Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Dividends [Text Block] Dividends [Text Block] Dividends [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Reconciliation of NRG's basic earnings per share to diluted earnings per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Schedule of Distributions Paid [Table Text Block] Schedule of Distributions Paid [Table Text Block] Schedule of Distributions Paid [Table Text Block] Schedule of Dividends Paid [Table Text Block] Schedule of Dividends Paid [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of all or some of the information related to dividends paid Income tax provision from continuing operations Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate to the Company's effective rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax Operating Revenues [Member] Operating Revenues [Member] Operating Revenues [Member] Operating Income (Loss) [Member] Operating Income (Loss) [Member] Net Income (Loss) [Member] Net Income (Loss) [Member] Net Income (Loss) [Member] Net Income/(Loss) per Weighted Average Common Share - Basic (in dollars per share) Quarterly Financial Information, Quarterly Charges and Credits, Amount Reconciling to Previously Reported Results Quarterly Financial Information, Quarterly Charges and Credits, Amount Reconciling to Previously Reported Results Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Sales [Member] Sales [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] NRG Solar Alpine LLC [Member] NRG Solar Alpine LLC [Member] NRG Solar Alpine LLC [Member] NRG Solar Avra Valley [Member] NRG Solar Avra Valley [Member] NRG Solar Avra Valley [Member] NRG West Holdings LLC [Member] NRG West Holdings LLC [Member] NRG West Holdings LLC [Member] Kansas South [Member] Kansas South [Member] Kansas South [Member] South Trent Wind LLC [Member] South Trent Wind LLC [Member] Represents the information pertaining to South Trent Wind LLC. Tapestry Wind [Member] Tapestry Wind [Member] Tapestry Wind [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2028 [Member] Maturity - December 31, 2029 [Member] Maturity - December 31, 2029 [Member] Maturity - December 31, 2029 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2023 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2023 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2023 [Member] Maturity - November 30, 2030 [Member] Maturity - November 30, 2030 [Member] Maturity - November 30, 2030 [Member] Maturity - June 25, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 25, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 25, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June14, 2020 [Member] Maturity - June14, 2020 [Member] Maturity - June14, 2020 [Member] Maturity - June 14, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 14, 2028 [Member] Maturity - June 14, 2028 [Member] Maturity - December 21, 2021 [Member] [Member] Maturity - December 21, 2021 [Member] [Member] Maturity - December 21, 2021 [Member] [Member] Maturity - December 21, 2029 [Member] Maturity - December 21, 2029 [Member] Maturity - December 21, 2029 [Member] 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term Debt, Gross Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Support Equipment and Facilities [Member] Support Equipment and Facilities [Member] Land and improvements Land and Land Improvements [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Under construction Construction in Progress, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Prepaid Long Term Service Agreement Prepaid Long Term Service Agreement Prepaid Long Term Service Agreement Property, plant and equipment, useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life