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] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] 3.5% Convertible Notes due 2019 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Common Class C [Member] Common Class C [Member] 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 Earnings Per Share, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted 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 income attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic 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] Earnings per weighted average common share — basic and diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [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] Common Class B [Member] Common Class B [Member] Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] Class of Stock Class of Stock [Line Items] Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 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] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maturity Date [Axis] Maturity Date [Axis] Maturity Date [Axis] Maturity Date [Domain] Maturity Date [Domain] [Domain] for Maturity Date [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Other Debt [Member] Other Debt [Member] Represents other debt instruments not separately accounted disclosed. Project [Domain] Project [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] 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility [Member] NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility [Member] NRG Yield Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Alpine [Member] Alpine [Member] Alpine [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement [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 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] Alta Realty Investments, due 2031 [Member] Alta Realty Investments, due 2031 [Member] Alta Realty Investments, due 2031 [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] Alta Wind Asset Management, due 2031 [Member] Avra Valley Financing Agreement [Member] Avra Valley Financing Agreement [Member] Avra Valley Financing Agreement [Member] NRG Solar Blythe LLC Credit Agreement Due 2028 [Member] NRG Solar Blythe LLC Credit Agreement Due 2028 [Member] Represent NRG Solar Blythe LLC credit agreement, which is due 2028. Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2024 [Member] Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2024 [Member] Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2024 [Member] Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2038 [Member] Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2038 [Member] Borrego Financing Agreement, due 2038 [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. NRG Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis Series D Notes [Member] Kansas South Facility, due 2031 [Member] Kansas South Facility, due 2031 [Member] Kansas South Facility, due 2031 [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] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] PFMG Financing Agreement [Member] PFMG Financing Agreement [Member] PFMG Financing Agreement [Member] Roadrunner Financing Agreement [Member] Roadrunner Financing Agreement [Member] Roundrunner Financing Agreement [Member] Kansas South Facility [Member] Kansas South Facility [Member] Kansas South Facility [Member] South Trent Financing Agreement [Member] South Trent Financing Agreement [Member] South Trent Financing Agreement [Member] Avra Valley [Member] Avra Valley [Member] Avra Valley [Member] High Desert Facility [Member] High Desert Facility [Member] High Desert 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] 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] WCEP Holdings LLC [Member] WCEP Holdings LLC [Member] WCEP Holdings LLC [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] 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 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 2017 [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] 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] CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] CVSR Holdco due 2037 [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] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Interest Expense at Effective Rate Interest Expense at Effective Rate Interest Expense at Effective Rate Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Senior Notes Senior Notes Debt Issuance Costs, Net Debt Issuance Costs, Net Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount 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 Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current 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] Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Power Generation Facilities by Type [Axis] Power Generation Facilities by Type [Axis] The types of power generation facilities included in the entity's total global generation portfolio. Power Generation Facilities, Type [Domain] Power Generation Facilities, Type [Domain] Listing of power generation facilities included in the entity's total global generation portfolio. Wind Farms [Member] Wind Farms [Member] Wind farm generation capacity. Conventional Generation [Member] Conventional Generation [Member] Conventional Generation [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Laredo Ridge [Member] Laredo Ridge [Member] Laredo Ridge [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Buffalo Bear [Member] Taloga [Member] Taloga [Member] Taloga [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Pinnacle [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] Walnut Creek [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] November 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] January 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] January 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] January 2015 Drop Down Assets [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] 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. Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred 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 Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Net Gains and Losses Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Net Gains and Losses AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, before Tax 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] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Statement Statement [Line Items] 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 NRG Yield, Inc - BS [Abstract] NRG Yield, Inc - BS [Abstract] NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] NRG Yield [Member] NRG Yield [Member] NRG Yield [Member] 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 Income Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value 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 Assets Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Other Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities, Current Total Liabilities 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 Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [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] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] 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. NRG [Member] NRG [Member] NRG [Member] Number of Facilities Number of Facilities Number of Facilities Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross 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 Percentage of Cash Available for Distributions Percentage of Cash Available for Distributions Percentage of Cash Available for Distributions Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Assets 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 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, Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Assets 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, 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 Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Net Utility-Scale Solar [Member] Utility-Scale Solar [Member] Utility-Scale Solar [Member] Avenal [Member] Avenal [Member] Avenal [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] 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] 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] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Working Capital Facility [Member] Working Capital Facility [Member] Working Capital Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Letters of Credit, Issued Amount Letters of Credit, Issued Amount The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit issued as of the reporting date. Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Net Income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives, net of income tax benefit of $0, $10, and $5 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: Pre-acquisition net income (loss) of Drop Down Assets Less: Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income Attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income Statement [Abstract] 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] 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 Impairment losses Asset Impairment Charges General and administrative General and Administrative Expense Acquisition-related transaction and integration costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Total operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating Income Operating Income (Loss) Other Income (Expense) Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Interest expense Interest Expense Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income Before Income Taxes Income tax (benefit) expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Net (Loss) Income Excluding Pre-acquisition Net Income (Loss) of Drop Down Assets Net Income excluding pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Net Income excluding pre-acquisition net income of Acquired ROFO assets Less: Net (loss) income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to NRG Yield, Inc. 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 Dividends Per Class A Common Share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Net Income/(Loss) per Weighted Average Common Share - Basic (in dollars per share) Operating Income Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred 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] Statement of Stockholders' Equity Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] Total Stockholders' Equity Net Income Excluding Pre-acquisition Net (Loss) Income of Drop Down Assets Unrealized gain/(loss) on derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives 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 Contributions from tax equity investors, net of distributions Proceeds from (Payments to) 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 Proceeds from the issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock 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 Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock 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] NRG Yield Operating LLC [Member] NRG Yield Operating LLC [Member] NRG Yield Operating LLC [Member] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Public Shareholders [Member] Public Shareholders [Member] Public Shareholders [Member] Alta Wind Portfolio [Member] Alta Wind Portfolio [Member] Alta Wind Portfolio [Member] Alta Wind Holdings [Member] Alta Wind Holdings [Member] Alta Wind Holdings [Member] 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 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 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, 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, 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 Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Total 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, 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 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, 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 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, Acquisition Related Costs Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Over-Allotment Option [Member] Over-Allotment Option [Member] NRG Repowering Holdings LLC [Member] NRG Repowering Holdings LLC [Member] NRG Repowering Holdings LLC [Member] CVSR [Member] CVSR [Member] CVSR [Member] 2015 Drop Down Asssets [Member] 2015 Drop Down Asssets [Member] 2015 Drop Down Asssets [Member] June 2014 Drop Down Assets [Member] June 2014 Drop Down Assets [Member] June 2014 Drop Down Assets [Member] NRG Yield LLC NRG Yield LLC [Member] NRG Yield LLC [Member] El Segundo [Member] El Segundo [Member] El Segundo [Member] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] TA - High Desert LLC [Member] NRG Dividends Payable, Date Declared Dividends Payable, Date Declared Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Distributions Paid, Per Unit Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Distributions Paid, Per Unit Investment Banking, Advisory, Brokerage, and Underwriting Fees and Commissions Investment Banking, Advisory, Brokerage, and Underwriting Fees and Commissions Expense Related to Distribution or Servicing and Underwriting Fees Expense Related to Distribution or Servicing and Underwriting Fees Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates 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 Common Stock, Voting Rights Common Stock, Voting Rights Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Payments of Capital Distribution Payments of Capital Distribution Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Proceeds from Contributions from Affiliates Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Dividends Payable, Date of Record Dividends Payable, Date of Record Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired 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] Asset Impairments [Abstract] Asset Impairments [Abstract] Unrealized gain/loss on derivatives, income tax benefit/(expense) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] 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 Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] NRG Solar Blythe LLC [Member] NRG Solar Blythe LLC [Member] Represents NRG Solar Blythe LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the entity. Spring Canyon [Member] Spring Canyon [Member] Spring Canyon [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] 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 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 Weighted average remaining amortization period (in years) Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life 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 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. 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 Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Elbow Creek [Member] Elbow Creek [Member] Elbow Creek [Member] Goat Wind [Member] Goat Wind [Member] Goat Wind [Member] Forward [Member] Forward [Member] Forward [Member] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Scenario, Plan [Member] Scenario, Plan [Member] Agua Caliente [Member] Agua Caliente [Member] Agua Caliente [Member] Utah Portfolio [Member] Utah Portfolio [Member] Utah Portfolio [Member] 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] 2017 Drop Down Assets [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Percentage of NRG's Ownership Percentage of NRG's Ownership Percentage of NRG's Ownership Percentage of Ownership Percentage of Ownership Percentage of Ownership Power Purchase Agreement Period Power Purchase Agreement Period Represents the period of power purchase agreement Remaining Power Purchase Agreement term Remaining Power Purchase Agreement term Remaining Power Purchase Agreement term Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Nature of Business Disclosure [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 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] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Commodity contracts Commodity Contract [Member] 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. Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] 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 Liabilities Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Assets Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset 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 Intangible Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Dividends [Text Block] Dividends [Text Block] Dividends [Text Block] UB Fuel Cell [Member] UB Fuel Cell [Member] UB Fuel Cell [Member] Supply Commitment [Member] Supply Commitment [Member] 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] Desert Sunlight [Member] Desert Sunlight [Member] Desert Sunlight [Member] Thermal [Member] Thermal [Member] Represents Thermal segment of the entity. Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon II [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Spring Canyon III [Member] Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [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] Borrego [Member] Borrego [Member] Borrego [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] Marsh Landing [Member] Marsh Landing [Member] Marsh Landing [Member] NRG Solar Roadrunner LLC [Member] NRG Solar Roadrunner LLC [Member] NRG Solar Roadrunner LLC [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 - June 30, 2025 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2025 [Member] Maturity - June 30, 2025 [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 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 Income Taxes Receivable Income Taxes Receivable 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] 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 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] Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable — trade Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventory Inventory, Net Derivative instruments Derivative Asset, Current Notes receivable — current Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Prepayments and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment 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 Property, plant and equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Equity investments in affiliates Equity Method Investments Notes receivable — non-current Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Intangible assets, net Derivative instruments Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total other assets Other Assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accounts payable — affiliate Due to Affiliate, Current Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Current Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Due to Related Parties, Noncurrent Accounts payable — affiliate Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Stockholders' Equity Summary of the components of the Company's intangible assets subject to amortization Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Line Items] Nature of Business [Line Items] [Line Items] for Nature of Business [Table] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] First Year [Member] First Year [Member] First Year [Member] Second Year through Flip Point [Member] Second Year through Flip Point [Member] Second Year through Flip Point [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Other Assets Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Assets Liabilities Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Net Assets Net Assets 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] GCE Holding LLC [Member] GCE Holding LLC [Member] Represents the GCE Holding LLC GCE Holding LLC which wholly-owns GenConn Energy LLC. 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 DGPV Holdco 2 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 2 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 2 [Member] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] NRG RPV Holdco [Member] Equity Method Investments Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees 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 Obligations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Guarantees Guarantees, Indemnifications and Warranties Policies [Policy Text Block] Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leases Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations Business Combinations Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Tax Equity Arrangements Tax Equity Arrangements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Tax Equity Arrangements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recent Accounting Developments New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Nature of Business Business Description and Basis of Presentation [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 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 Fixed Rate Notes [Member] Fixed Rate Notes [Member] Fixed Rate Notes [Member] GenConn Facility [Member] GenConn Facility [Member] GenConn Facility [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] SyndicateofBanks [Member] SyndicateofBanks [Member] SyndicateofBanks [Member] EurusEnergy [Member] EurusEnergy [Member] EurusEnergy [Member] Notes and Loans Payable Notes and Loans Payable Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Current assets Non-current assets Assets, Noncurrent Liabilities, Current Liabilities, Noncurrent 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] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Summary of Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] 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 Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] 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 Prepaid Long Term Service Agreement Prepaid Long Term Service Agreement Prepaid Long Term Service Agreement Property, plant and equipment, useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] 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 Payments of Financing Costs Payments of Financing Costs 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) 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] GenConn Middletown [Member] GenConn Middletown [Member] GenConn Middletown [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] GenConn Devon [Member] Marsh Landing RE Kansas South [Member] RE Kansas South [Member] RE Kansas South [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] 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] Lookout [Member] Lookout [Member] Lookout [Member] Odin Wind Farm [Member] Odin Wind Farm [Member] Odin Wind Farm [Member] Sleeping Bear [Member] Sleeping Bear [Member] Sleeping Bear [Member] Crosswinds [Member] Crosswinds [Member] Crosswinds [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] NRG DGPV Holdco [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco [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 Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Change in Asset Retirement Obligation [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] Thermal [Member] NRG Yield, Inc. [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC [Member] NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC [Member] NECP [Member] NECP [Member] NECP [Member] NRG El Segundo Operations, Inc. [Member] NRG El Segundo Operations, Inc. [Member] NRG El Segundo Operations, Inc. [Member] GenOn Energy Services LLC [Member] GenOn Energy Services LLC [Member] GenOn Energy Services LLC [Member] NRG Energy Services LLC [Member] NRG Energy Services LLC [Member] NRG Energy Services LLC [Member] NRG RENOM [Member] NRG RENOM [Member] NRG Renew Operations & Maintenance LLC 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] Support services [Member] Support services [Member] Support services [Member] Related Party Transaction Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party Management Services Fee, Annual Service Management Costs Management Services Fee, Increase Service Management Costs, Fee Increase Service Management Costs, Fee Increase Due to Affiliate Due to Affiliate 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 Related Party Costs, Capitalized Amount Related Party Costs, Capitalized Amount Related Party Costs, Capitalized Amount Payments Payments Payments Receipt of payments Receipt of payments Receipt of payments 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 Business Acquisitions, Consideration Transferred, Purchase Price Business Acquisitions, Consideration Transferred, Purchase Price Business Acquisitions, Consideration Transferred, Purchase Price Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] 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 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 Related Party Transactions Disclosure Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] 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 Convertible Debt [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage 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 Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio 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 Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Debt Repayments of Debt Repayments of Debt Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Depreciation, amortization and ARO accretion 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 Change in deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes 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 Receipt of indemnity from supplier receipt of indemnity from supplier receipt of indemnity from supplier (Increase) decrease in restricted cash Increase (Decrease) in Restricted Cash Cash receipts from notes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivables 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. Return of investment from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions, 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] Capital contributions from NRG Proceeds from Contributions from Parent 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 Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period Interest paid, net of amount capitalized Interest Paid, Net Additions (reductions) 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 accrued grants Decrease in Fixed Assets, Accrued Grants The decrease in fixed assets for accrued grants and related tax impact. Decrease to fixed assets for deferred tax asset Decrease in Fixed Assets, Deferred Tax Asset The decrease in fixed assets for deferred tax assets Increase in debt due to accrued interest converted to debt Debt Conversion, Converted Instrument, Amount Non-cash return of capital and distributions to NRG, net of contributions Segment Reporting [Abstract] 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 Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table 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] 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, 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] Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Asset Impairment Charges [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] 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 Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] 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 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. Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investments [Domain] Investments [Domain] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Community Solar [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Community Solar [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Community Solar [Member] 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] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV 2 [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV 2 [Member] Tax Equity Financed Portfolio of Leases - Commercial PV 2 [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] Capital Contributions From Partners in Equity Method Investment Capital Contributions From Partners in Equity Method Investment Capital Contributions From Partners in Equity Method Investment Revenues Due to Related Parties, Current Due to Related Parties, Current 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 Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Sales [Member] Sales [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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 Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date Business Combination, Indemnification Assets, Amount as of Acquisition Date Other Liabilities Other Liabilities Net Assets, excluding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net Assets, excluding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net Assets, excluding Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 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 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 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 Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Capital Expenditures Capital Expenditures Represents amount of total Capital expenditures including accruals pertaining to repowering of entity's projects, major maintenance and meeting environmental commitments. Total Assets