Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Acquired ROFO Assets [Domain] Acquired ROFO Assets [Domain] Acquired ROFO Assets [Domain] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Affiliated Entity [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] Operating Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Total operating revenues Revenues Operating Costs and Expenses Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Cost of operations Cost of Revenue Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization General and administrative — affiliate General and Administrative Expense 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 Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Interest expense Interest Expense Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax (benefit) expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income excluding pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Net Income excluding pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Net Income excluding pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Less: Net (loss) income attributable to NRG (b) Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net (loss) income attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic (Loss) Earnings Per Share Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. Class A Common Stockholders Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Weighted average number of Class A common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted (Losses) Earnings per weighted average Class A common share — basic and diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Dividends Per Common Share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] El Segundo [Member] El Segundo [Member] El Segundo [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] NRG [Member] NRG [Member] NRG [Member] Non-affiliate Non-affiliated entity [Member] Non-affiliated entity [Member] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income/(loss) Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Distributions in excess of equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Depreciation and amortization Amortization of financing costs and debt discount/premiums Amortization of Financing 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. Changes in deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Changes in derivative instruments Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Assets and Liabilities Changes in other working capital Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired Business Combination, Consideration Transferred (Increase) decrease in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Decrease in notes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable The net change during the reporting period of amounts due from note holders for outstanding loans for both amounts due within one year (or one business cycle) and amounts due beyond one year. Proceeds from renewable energy grants Proceeds from Renewable Energy Grants The amount of cash received during the period for renewable energy grants related to capital projects. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates (Investments in) Proceeds From Sales of Unconsolidated Affiliates (Investments in) Proceeds From Sales of Unconsolidated Affiliates Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net Cash (Used in) Provided By Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Distributions and return of capital to NRG Payments of Capital Distribution Proceeds from issuance of Class A common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Payment of dividends and distributions to shareholders Payments of Dividends Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — external Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payment of debt issuance costs Payments of Debt Issuance Costs Payments for long-term debt — external Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Unrealized gain/loss on derivatives, income tax expense /(benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] CVSR [Member] CVSR [Member] CVSR [Member] Thermal [Member] Thermal [Member] Represents Thermal segment of the entity. NRG Yield, Inc. NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] GCE Holding LLC [Member] GCE Holding LLC [Member] Represents the GCE Holding LLC GCE Holding LLC which wholly-owns GenConn Energy LLC. Marsh Landing [Member] Marsh Landing [Member] Marsh Landing [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] Scenario, Plan [Member] Scenario, Plan [Member] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] GenOn Energy Services LLC [Member] GenOn Energy Services LLC [Member] GenOn Energy Services LLC [Member] Management Services Agreement with NRG Management Services Agreement with NRG [Member] Management Services Agreement with NRG [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 Due to Related Parties Due to Related Parties Related Party Costs, Capitalized Amount Related Party Costs, Capitalized Amount Related Party Costs, Capitalized Amount Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Nature of Business Disclosure [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Nature of Business Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block] Distributions [Policy Text Block] Distributions [Policy Text Block] Distributions [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Developments New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] GCE Holdings LLC Schedule of Equity Method Investments Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Summarized financial information of equity method investment Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] Intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization 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 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] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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] Enivronmental Matters [Abstract] Enivronmental Matters [Abstract] 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] Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable — trade Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventory Inventory, Net Derivative instruments Derivative Asset Notes receivable Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Prepayments and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment In service Property, Plant and Equipment, Other, Gross Under construction Construction in Progress, Gross Total property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Net property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Equity investments in affiliates Equity Method Investments Notes receivable Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $55 and $40 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Derivative instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, 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 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable — affiliate Due to Affiliate, Current Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities Sum of accrued expenses and other current liabilities. Accrued expenses are the carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to costs that are statutory in nature, that are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered. Other current liabilities are the aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current liabilities not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Current liabilities are expected to be paid within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] 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 Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Earnings (Loss) Per Share Disclosure [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Related Party Transactions Disclosure Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Thermal [Member] Wind Farms [Member] Wind Farms [Member] Wind farm generation capacity. Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Public Shareholders [Member] Public Shareholders [Member] Public Shareholders [Member] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] RE Kansas South [Member] RE Kansas South [Member] RE Kansas South [Member] UB Fuel Cell [Member] UB Fuel Cell [Member] UB Fuel Cell [Member] Alta Wind Portfolio [Member] Alta Wind Portfolio [Member] Alta Wind Portfolio [Member] Tapestry Wind [Member] Tapestry Wind [Member] Tapestry Wind [Member] Laredo Ridge [Member] Laredo Ridge [Member] Laredo Ridge [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] EME-NYLD Assets [Member] EME-NYLD Assets [Member] EME-NYLD Assets [Member] Drop-down Acquisition [Member] Drop-down Acquisition [Member] Drop-down Acquisition [Member] Alta Wind Holdings [Member] Alta Wind Holdings [Member] Alta Wind Holdings [Member] Marsh Landing Spring Canyon and UB Fuel Cell [Member] Spring Canyon and UB Fuel Cell [Member] Spring Canyon and 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 Arrangement [Domain] Supply Commitment Arrangement [Domain] Leasehold Rights [Member] Leasehold Rights [Member] Leasehold Rights [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Taloga [Member] Taloga [Member] Taloga [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon II [Member] NRG Yield Operating LLC [Member] NRG Yield Operating LLC [Member] NRG Yield Operating LLC [Member] NRG Yield LLC [Member] NRG Yield LLC [Member] NRG Yield LLC [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Business Acquisition Business Acquisition [Line Items] 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, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Cash Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Cash Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Cash Number of Facilities Number of Facilities Number of Facilities Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Non-current assets Assets, Noncurrent Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Intangibles Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Business Acquisition, Consideration Transferred, Working Capital Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Weighted average remaining amortization period (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Power Generation Capacity (in MWs) Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts The generation capacity of the entity's power generation facilities as of the balance sheet date, expressed in megawatts. Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Adjusted Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Adjusted Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Noncurrent Liabilities Longterm Debt Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Noncurrent Liabilities Longterm Debt Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Noncurrent Liabilities Longterm Debt Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt, Adjusted Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Share Price Share Price Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Senior Long-term Debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current and Non-Current Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current and Non-Current Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current and Non-Current Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Other Assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Assets, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Assets, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Other Assets, Adjusted Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Total Assets Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Total Assets Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired, Adjusted Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current and Non-Current Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current and Non-Current Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current and Non-Current Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Current and Noncurrent Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Current and Noncurrent Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Current and Noncurrent Liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current and Non-current Liabilities, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current and Non-current Liabilities, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Current and Non-current Liabilities, Adjusted Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Financial Liabilities Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed, Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Liabilities Assumed, Adjusted Business Acquisitions, Consideration Transferred, Purchase Price Business Acquisitions, Consideration Transferred, Purchase Price Business Acquisitions, Consideration Transferred, Purchase Price Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income(Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income(Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income(Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt Other Liabilities Other Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Current and Non-Current Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Current and Non-Current Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Current and Non-Current Liabilities Liabilities Net Assets Net Assets Operating Income (Loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Net Assets Acquired Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Net Assets Acquired Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Net Assets Acquired Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Adjusted Business Acquisition, Purchase Price Allocation, Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed), Net Adjusted Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Net Gains and Losses Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Net Gains and Losses Other Assets Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Support Equipment and Facilities [Member] Support Equipment and Facilities [Member] Land and improvements Land and Land Improvements [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, plant and equipment, useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Other Comprehensive Loss, net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of income tax benefit of $8 and $0 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive (Loss) Income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Less: Pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Available for Common Stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate to the Company's effective rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Estimated carrying values and fair values of the Company's recorded financial instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [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] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Business Acquisitions, Consideration Transferred, Purchase Price Non-cash adjustment to non-controlling interest Non-cash adjustment to non-controlling interest Non-cash adjustment to non-controlling interest Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Business Acquisitions [Abstract] Business Acquisitions [Abstract] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Change in Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Schedule of Change in Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Schedule of Change in Noncontrolling Interest [Table Text Block] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Deferred Asset Type [Axis] Deferred Asset Type [Axis] Deferred Asset Type [Axis] Deferred Asset Type [Domain] Deferred Asset Type [Domain] [Domain] for Deferred Asset Type [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] NRG NRG Yield LLC 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] Deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] 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] Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest Adjustment to additional paid-in capital for tax basis differences Adjustment to additional paid-in capital for tax basis differences Adjustment to additional paid-in capital for tax basis differences Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Common Class C [Member] Common Class C [Member] Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] Statement of Stockholders' Equity Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] Common Stock, Voting Rights Common Stock, Voting Rights Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Avenal Avenal [Member] Avenal [Member] Debt Instrument Period [Axis] Debt Instrument Period [Axis] Debt Instrument Period [Axis] Debt Instrument Period [Domain] Debt Instrument Period [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Instrument Period [Axis] December 17, 2014 to December 31, 2018 [Member] December 17, 2014 to December 31, 2018 [Member] December 17, 2014 to December 31, 2018 [Member] January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023 [Member] January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023 [Member] January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023 [Member] January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2028 [Member] January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2028 [Member] January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2028 [Member] November 12, 2014 to December 20, 2018 [Member] November 12, 2014 to December 20, 2018 [Member] November 12, 2014 to December 20, 2018 [Member] December 21, 2018 to December 31, 2021 [Member] December 21, 2018 to December 31, 2021 [Member] December 21, 2018 to December 31, 2021 [Member] October 21, 2014 to September 30, 2018 [Member] October 21, 2014 to September 30, 2018 [Member] October 21, 2014 to September 30, 2018 [Member] October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2022 [Member] October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2022 [Member] October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2022 [Member] October 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023 [Member] October 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023 [Member] October 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023 [Member] September 22, 2010 to March 18, 2015 [Member] September 22, 2010 to March 18, 2015 [Member] September 22, 2010 to March 18, 2015 [Member] March 18, 2015 to March 17, 2022 [Member] March 18, 2015 to March 17, 2022 [Member] March 18, 2015 to March 17, 2022 [Member] March 18, 2022 to March 17, 2027 [Member] March 18, 2022 to March 17, 2027 [Member] March 18, 2022 to March 17, 2027 [Member] March 18, 2027 through Maturity [Member] March 18, 2027 through Maturity [Member] March 18, 2027 through Maturity [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maturity Date [Axis] Maturity Date [Axis] Maturity Date [Axis] Maturity Date [Domain] Maturity Date [Domain] [Domain] for Maturity Date [Axis] December 30, 2034 [Member] December 30, 2034 [Member] December 30, 2034 [Member] January 31, 2031 [Member] January 31, 2031 [Member] January 31, 2031 [Member] May 15, 2031 [Member] May 15, 2031 [Member] May 15, 2031 [Member] March 31, 2020 [Member] March 31, 2020 [Member] March 31, 2020 [Member] June 30, 2035 [Member] June 30, 2035 [Member] June 30, 2035 [Member] Amount [Axis] Amount [Axis] Amount [Axis] Amount [Domain] Amount [Domain] [Domain] for Amount [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] Alta Wind I, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind I, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind I, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Realty Investments, due 2031 [Member] Alta Realty Investments, due 2031 [Member] Alta Realty Investments, due 2031 [Member] NRG Marsh Landing LLC, due 2017 and 2023 NRG Marsh Landing LLC, due 2023 Marsh Landing Tranche B due 2023 [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche B due 2023 [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] Marsh Landing Tranche A due December 2017 [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche A due December 2017 [Member] Marsh Landing Tranche A due December 2017 [Member] NRG Solar Alpine, due 2022 Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2021 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement [Member] Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 [Member] Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 [Member] Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2026 [Member] Borrego Financing [Member] Borrego Financing [Member] Borrego Financing [Member] Alpine [Member] Alpine [Member] Alpine [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC, senior secured notes, due 2013, 2017, and 2025 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. NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC, senior secured notes, due 2017 NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes, due 2017 [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes, due 2017 [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC, senior secured notes, due 2025 NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes, due 2025 [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes, due 2025 [Member] NRG Borrego I LLC, due 2024 Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2024 [Member] Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2024 [Member] NRG Borrego I LLC, due 2038 Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2038 [Member] Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2038 [Member] South Trent Wind LLC, due 2020 South Trent Financing Agreement [Member] South Trent Financing Agreement [Member] NRG Solar Avra Valley LLC, due 2031 Avra Valley Financing Agreement [Member] Avra Valley Financing Agreement [Member] High Desert Facility [Member] High Desert Facility [Member] High Desert Facility [Member] WCEP Holdings, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] WCEP Holdings, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] WCEP Holdings, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] NRG Roadrunner LLC, due 2031 Roadrunner Financing Agreement [Member] Roundrunner Financing Agreement [Member] Kansas South Facility, due 2031 [Member] Kansas South Facility, due 2031 [Member] Kansas South Facility, due 2031 [Member] NRG Solar Blythe LLC, due 2028 NRG Solar Blythe LLC Credit Agreement Due 2028 [Member] Represent NRG Solar Blythe LLC credit agreement, which is due 2028. PFMG and related subsidiaries, due 2030 PFMG Financing Agreement [Member] PFMG Financing Agreement [Member] NRG Energy Center Princeton LLC, due 2017 NRG Energy Center Princeton LLC, due 2017 [Member] NRG Energy Center Princeton LLC, due 2017 [Member] NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility [Member] NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement [Member] West Holdings Credit Agreement [Member] Alta Wind X, due 2020 [Member] Alta Wind X, due 2020 [Member] Alta Wind X, due 2020 [Member] Alta Wind XI, due 2020 [Member] Alta Wind XI, due 2020 [Member] Alta Wind XI, due 2020 [Member] Alta Wind II, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind II, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind II, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind III, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind III, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind III, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind IV, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind IV, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind IV, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 [Member] Alta Wind V, lease financing arrangement, due 2035 [Member] Alta Wind V, lease financing arrangement, due 2035 [Member] Alta Wind V, lease financing arrangement, due 2035 [Member] Project [Domain] Project [Domain] High Desert Facility, due 2033 [Member] High Desert Facility, due 2033 [Member] High Desert Facility, due 2033 [Member] TA - High Desert, due 2023 [Member] TA - High Desert, due 2023 [Member] TA - High Desert, due 2023 [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Lease Financing Arrangement [Member] Lease Financing Arrangement [Member] Lease Financing Arrangement [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Fixed Rate Notes Fixed Rate Notes [Member] Fixed Rate Notes [Member] Cash Grant Loan Cash Grant Loan [Member] Cash Grant Loan [Member] Term Loan Facility Term Loan Facility [Member] Term Loan Facility [Member] Working Capital Facility [Member] Working Capital Facility [Member] Working Capital Facility [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Alta X [Member] Alta X [Member] Alta X [Member] NRG Yield LLC [Member] NRG Wind LLC [Member] NRG Wind LLC [Member] Borrego Borrego [Member] Borrego [Member] NRG Solar Roadrunner LLC NRG Solar Roadrunner LLC [Member] NRG Solar Roadrunner LLC [Member] NRG Solar Blythe LLC NRG Solar Blythe LLC [Member] Represents NRG Solar Blythe LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the entity. Alta XI [Member] Alta XI [Member] Alta XI [Member] WCEP Holdings LLC [Member] WCEP Holdings LLC [Member] WCEP Holdings LLC [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Long-term Debt Disclosure Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Issuance Cost Debt Issuance Cost Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Long-term debt, current maturities Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt, excluding current maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Variable rate basis Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Percentage Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Cash Distributions Paid Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Cash Distributions Paid Interest rate Senior Notes Senior Notes Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Amendment Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Amendment Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Amendment Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Notional Amount of Interest Rate Derivatives Derivative, Notional Amount Repayments of Debt Repayments of Debt Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives Percentage of Debt Hedged by Interest Rate Derivatives Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate Derivative, Forward Interest Rate Derivative, Forward Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] 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] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Operating Revenues [Member] Sales [Member] Successor Successor [Member] 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. MWh. [Member] MWh. [Member] MWh. [Member] MMbtu MMbtu [Member] Represents unit of measurement that is used to measure quantity of natural gas. Dollars United States of America, Dollars Derivatives by Underlying Assets [Axis] Derivatives by Underlying Assets [Axis] Derivatives by the underlying asset from which its value is derived. Underlying Assets [Domain] Underlying Assets [Domain] Major types of referenced/ underlying assets. Power [Member] Power [Member] Details pertaining to the power, which is considered as a derivative commodity. Natural Gas [Member] Natural Gas [Member] Interest Interest [Member] Details pertaining to interest rate swaps which are considered a derivative commodity. Derivatives, Fair Value, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] 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. Commodity contracts Commodity Contract [Member] Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] 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] 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 Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Derivative Derivative [Line Items] Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness, Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives, Mark To Market, Economic Hedging Activities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives, Mark To Market, Economic Hedging Activities Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives, Mark To Market, Economic Hedging Activities Derivative Liability Derivative Liability Derivative, Notional Amount Fair Value of Derivative Instruments Derivative, Fair Value, Net [Abstract] Derivative Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 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 Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Liability 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 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] 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. 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 Accumulated OCL beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect 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 Accumulated OCL ending balance, net of income tax benefit of $14 and $1, respectively Accumulated OCL ending balance, net of income tax benefit of $14 and $1, respectively Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Change in Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Tax Amount Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Change in Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Tax Amount 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 Summary of Derivative Instruments Impact on Results of Operations Summary of Derivative Instruments Impact on Results of Operations [Abstract] Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Derivative Asset, Fair Value Determined Using Valuation Techniques, Percentage Derivative Liability, Fair Value Determined Using Valuation Techniques, Percentage Derivative Liability, Fair Value Determined Using Valuation Techniques, Percentage 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 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 Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Derivative Liability, Fair Value Determined Using Valuation Techniques, Percentage 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. Financing Receivable, Net Financing Receivable, Net Long-term debt, including current portion Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset, Fair Value Determined Using Valuation Techniques, Percentage Derivative Asset, Fair Value Determined Using Valuation Techniques, Percentage This element represents the portion of total fair value of all derivative assets, which are valued using various valuation techniques including internal models based on a fundamental analysis of the market and extrapolation of observable market data with similar characteristics. Derivative Liabilities Concentration of Credit Risk Concentration of Credit Risk [Abstract] Concentration of Credit Risk [Abstract] Credit risk exposure under certain long-term agreements for the next five years Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Financial Instrument, Maximum Exposure Period of credit risk exposure under certain long-term agreements (in years) Estimated Counterparty Credit Risk Exposure to Certain Counterparties, Period Estimated Counterparty Credit Risk Exposure to Certain Counterparties, Period Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] GenConn Middletown GenConn Middletown [Member] GenConn Middletown [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] Alpine Avra Valley Avra Valley [Member] Avra Valley [Member] NRG Solar Blythe LLC [Member] Roadrunner CVSR AZ DG Solar Projects AZ DG Solar Projects [Member] AZ DG Solar Projects [Member] PFMG DG Solar Projects PFMG DG Solar Projects [Member] PFMG DG Solar Projects [Member] Alta I [Member] Alta I [Member] Alta I [Member] Alta II [Member] Alta II [Member] alta II [Member] Alta III [Member] Alta III [Member] Alta III Alta IV [Member] Alta IV [Member] Alta IV [Member] Alta V [Member] Alta V [Member] Alta V [Member] South Trent South Trent Holding LLC [Member] South Trent Holding LLC [Member] Conventional 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] 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 Percentage of Ownership Percentage of Ownership Percentage of Ownership 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. Economic Interest in Entity Economic Interest in Entity Economic Interest in Entity Business Acquisitions, Consideration Transferred, Purchase Price Reconciliation of NRG's basic earnings per share to diluted earnings per share Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Existing Portfolio of Leases [Member] Existing Portfolio of Leases [Member] Existing Portfolio of Leases [Member] In-Development Portfolio of Leases [Member] In-Development Portfolio of Leases Tranche 1 [Member] In-Development Portfolio of Leases Tranche 1 [Member] In-Development Portfolio of Leases Tranche 2 [Member] In-Development Portfolio of Leases Tranche 2 [Member] In-Development Portfolio of Leases Tranche 2 [Member] [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases [Member] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] GenConn Energy LLC Gen Conn Energy LLC [Member] Represents the information pertaining to GenConn Energy LLC. Power Generation Facilities [Axis] Power Generation Facilities [Axis] The power generation facilities included in the entity's total global generation portfolio. Power Generation Facilities [Domain] Power Generation Facilities [Domain] Power Generation Facilities [Domain] GenConn Devon Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Term Loan Facility [Member] Variable Interest Entity Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Economic interest in equity method investments (as a percent) 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 Operating revenues Operating income Current liabilities Non-current liabilities Power Generation Units, Number Power Generation Units, Number The number of power generation units as of the balance sheet date. Expected Return On Investment Expected Return On Investment Expected Return On Investment 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 Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount 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] Denominator: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic [Abstract] Basic and diluted loss per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [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] 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] Cost of operations Operating Expenses Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Interest Expense Business Acquisition, Purchase Price [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Purchase Price [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Purchase Price [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Environmental Remediation Obligations [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]