Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Total Stockholders' Equity Balance at beginning of period Balance at end of period Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Proceeds from issuance or sale of equity Proceeds from Issuance or Sale of Equity Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Table] Subsidiaries Affected By Bankruptcy Subsidiaries Affected By Bankruptcy [Member] Subsidiaries Affected By Bankruptcy [Member] Level 3 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest in Variable Interest Entity Total current liabilities Current liabilities Liabilities, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] CVSR Holdco due 2037 CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] CVSR Holdco due 2037 [Member] Accounts receivable, related parties Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Repowering Partnership Holdco LLC, due 2020 Repowering Partnership Holdco LLC, due 2020 [Member] Repowering Partnership Holdco LLC, due 2020 [Member] Recently Issued Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Right-of-use asset amortization Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Debt instrument, repurchase amount Debt Instrument, Repurchase Amount Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Walnut Creek, due 2023 Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] Walnut Creek Energy, LLC, due in 2023 [Member] Dividends payable, date to be paid Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Thereafter Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Thereafter Conventional Generation Conventional Generation [Member] Conventional Generation [Member] Total operating revenues Operating revenues Revenues Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 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. Carrying Amount Reported Value Measurement [Member] Other Other Debt [Member] Represents other debt instruments not separately accounted disclosed. Net proceeds from the issuance of common stock under the ATM Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022 Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022 [Member] Utah Solar Portfolio, due 2022 [Member] Property, plant and equipment Net property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Net contributions from noncontrolling interests Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Carlsbad Holdco, due 2038 Carlsbad Holdco, due 2038 [Member] Carlsbad Holdco, due 2038 Assets Leased to Others Assets Leased to Others [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Total Assets Assets Marsh Landing due 2023 Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Marsh Landing Term Loan Facility [Member] Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Total lease liability Total lease liability - operating leases Operating Lease, Liability Unrealized loss on derivatives income tax expense (benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification, Tax Cover page. Cover [Abstract] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Document Type Document Type DGPV Holdco 2 LLC NRG DGPV Holdco 2 [Member] NRG DGPV Holdco 2 [Member] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Payments for long-term debt - external Repayments of Long-term Debt Nature of Business [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Basis of Presentation [Line Items] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] 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. 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four Energy Revenue Energy Revenue [Member] Energy Revenue [Member] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] 2025 Senior Notes 5.75% Senior Notes due 2025 [Member] 5.75% Senior Notes due 2025 [Member] Accrued interest expense Interest Payable DGPV Holdco 1 LLC DGPV Holdco 1 [Member] DGPV Holdco 1 [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Accounts payable — affiliate Due to Affiliate, Current Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Redeemable noncontrolling interest Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Equity, Carrying Amount Preferred Stock Preferred Stock [Member] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Commodity contracts current Commodity Contract Current [Member] The current portion of a derivative instrument whose primary underlying risk is tied to commodity prices. Capacity Revenue Capacity Revenue [Member] Capacity Revenue [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report 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. Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Energy Center Dover Energy Center Dover [Member] Energy Center Dover Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash at end of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Loss on debt extinguishment Loss on debt extinguishment Loss on debt extinguishment Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Remainder of 2020 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Remainder of Fiscal Year Weighted average number of Class A and Class C common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Tapestry, due 2031 Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2031 [Member] Tapestry Wind LLC due in 2031 [Member] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Buyout of Wind TE Holdco noncontrolling interest Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Capital Unit, Class A Capital Unit, Class A [Member] Contract amortization Capitalized Contract Cost, Amortization Accounts receivable, after allowance for credit loss Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss 2024 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years Entity File Number Entity File Number Net assets less noncontrolling interests Net Assets Buckthorn Renewables LLC Buckthorn Renewables, LLC [Member] Buckthorn Renewables, LLC [Member] Measurement Input, Commodity Forward Price Measurement Input, Commodity Forward Price [Member] 2021 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Two Years Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] 2022 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Three Years Cumulative effect of change in the accounting principle Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Development costs Costs Incurred, Development Costs Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Contributions, non-cash Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Distributions Paid Non-Cash, Net Of Contributions Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital, Distributions Paid Non-Cash, Net Of Contributions Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax Change in unrealized losses included in earnings for derivatives held as of March 31, 2020 Gain (loss) on derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Operating Income Operating income Operating Income (Loss) South Trent, due 2028 South Trent Wind Due 2028 [Member] South Trent Wind Due 2028 [Member] Beginning balance as of January 1, 2020 Ending balance as of March 31, 2020 Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs Measurement Frequency [Domain] Measurement Frequency [Domain] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] Statement Statement [Line Items] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Total revenue from contracts with customers Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] 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 Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] 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. Common stock, dividends, per share, declared (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Nature of Business [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Common stock outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Marsh Landing Marsh Landing [Member] Marsh Landing [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Interest expense Interest expense Interest Expense Total non-current liabilities Non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Wind TE Holdco LLC Wind TE Holdco LLC [Member] Wind TE Holdco LLC Interest Expense Interest Expense [Member] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Underlying Asset Class [Axis] Equity in (losses) earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Alta Wind I-V lease financing arrangements, due 2034 and 2035 Alta Wind I-V, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 and 2035 [Member] Alta Wind I-V, lease financing arrangement, due 2034 and 2035 [Member] Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Utah Solar Portfolio UtahPortfolio [Member] UtahPortfolio RPV Holdco 1 LLC RPV Holdco [Member] RPV Holdco [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Accumulated Amortization and Depreciation Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Accounts receivable — trade Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Proceeds from sale of assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Thermal Thermal [Member] Represents Thermal segment of the entity. Position [Domain] Position [Domain] Position [Axis] Position [Axis] Power generation capacity, megawatts Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts Power Generation Capacity, Megawatts Depreciation, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net 2024 Senior Notes 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] 5.375% Senior Notes due in 2024 [Member] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Total other expense, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Total other assets Other current and non-current assets Other Assets Prepayments and other current assets Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Weighted average remaining contract duration WeightedAverageRemainingPPATerm WeightedAverageRemainingPPATerm Other Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 [Member] El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 [Member] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Total current assets Current assets Assets, Current Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Minimum Future Rent Payments under Operating Leases Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block] Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Other Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] 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. Net Loss Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. Net loss attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Operating Costs and Expenses Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Leases [Abstract] Leases [Abstract] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Amortization of financing costs and debt discounts Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs and Discounts Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Net Loss Net loss Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Due to affiliate Due to Affiliate Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category GenConn Gen Conn Energy LLC [Member] Represents the information pertaining to GenConn Energy LLC. Letter of Credit Letter of Credit [Member] Accrued expenses and other current liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Corporate Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Liabilities and Equity Other Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative gains and losses Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term lease liabilities Long- term lease liability - operating leases Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Capital Units by Class [Axis] Capital Units by Class [Axis] Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Portion at Fair Value Measurement Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Changes in prepaid and accrued liabilities for tolling agreements Changes in Prepaid and Accrued Capacity Payments Changes in Prepaid and Accrued Capacity Payments Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Payments of dividends and distributions Payments of Ordinary Dividends Shares of common stock sold (in shares) Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Estimated Carrying Values and Fair Values Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Derivative liability Derivative liability Derivative Liability Fair Value Option, Disclosures Fair Value Option, Disclosures [Table Text Block] Operating Revenues Revenues [Abstract] Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Number of solar leases in portfolio Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Number of Solar Leases in Portfolio Clearway Energy, Inc. Clearway Energy, Inc. [Member] Clearway Energy, Inc. [Member] Loss on derivatives Derivative, Loss on Derivative Fair Value, Recurring Fair Value, Recurring [Member] Viento, due 2023 Viento Funding II, Inc., due in 2023 [Member] Viento Funding II, Inc., due in 2023 [Member] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Cost of operations Cost of Revenue Derivative liability, fair value, gross asset Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Asset Other income, net Other income, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Other Income (Expense) Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Commodity contracts Commodity Contract [Member] Allocations of taxable income after (as a percentage) Income Allocation Percentage Income Allocation Percentage Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Less: Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current Cash paid for operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Accumulated Deficit Retained Earnings [Member] Statement of Stockholders' Equity Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Accounts receivable — affiliate Due from Affiliate, Current Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Basic and diluted loss per share attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic [Abstract] Debt Service Obligations Debt Service Obligations [Member] Debt Service Obligations [Member] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Cash Flows from Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] High Maximum Maximum [Member] Power Generation Facilities, Type [Domain] Power Generation Facilities, Type [Domain] Listing of power generation facilities included in the entity's total global generation portfolio. Energy Related Derivative Energy Related Derivative [Member] Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Measurement Input Type [Domain] Insurance proceeds Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Changes in derivative instruments Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Assets and Liabilities Common Class B Common Class B [Member] Remaining lease term Remaining Lease Term Remaining Lease Term Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Derivative liability measurement input Derivative Asset (Liability) Net, Measurement Input Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) ATM Program ATM Program [Member] ATM Program Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Kansas South, due in 2030 Kansas South, due in 2030 [Member] Kansas South, due in 2030 [Member] Sale of assets percentage ownership interest sold Sale Of Assets Percentage Ownership Interest Sold Sale Of Assets Percentage Ownership Interest Sold Revenue Recognition Revenue [Policy Text Block] Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow Valuation Technique, Discounted Cash Flow [Member] Ownership interest (as a percentage) Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Voting Interest Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Members or Limited Partners, Voting Interest Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Low Minimum Minimum [Member] Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Return of investment from unconsolidated affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Renewables Renewables [Member] Renewables [Member] Common Class A Common Class A [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Long Long [Member] Desert Sunlight Desert Sunlight [Member] Desert Sunlight Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] 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, Distribution Other revenue Products And Services, Other [Member] Products And Services, Other [Member] Net Cash Used in Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Distribution made to limited liability company (LLC) member, distributions paid, per unit (in dollars per share) Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Distributions Paid, Per Unit Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Income tax benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two Reclassified from accumulated OCL to income due to realization of previously deferred amounts Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax 2023 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Four Years Derivative liability, fair value, gross liability Derivative liability, fair value, gross Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Other non-current liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Examination [Table] Common Class C Common Class C [Member] Aggregate sales price ATM Program, Maximum Dollar Value of Shares to Be Issued ATM Program, Maximum Dollar Value of Shares to Be Issued City Area Code City Area Code Distributions Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, by Distribution Distributions Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, by Distribution [Table Text Block] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Other Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Losses Per Share Attributable to Clearway Energy, Inc. Class A and Class C Common Stockholders Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Distributions to tax equity investors, non-cash Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net RENOM RENOM [Member] RENOM [Member] Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Loss Before Income Taxes Loss before income tax benefit Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Gross Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Table] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Par value - preferred stock (in usd per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Percent of derivative liabilities using level 3 fair value inputs Percent of Derivative Liabilities Using Level 3 Fair Value Inputs Percent of Derivative Liabilities Using Level 3 Fair Value Inputs Weighted average remaining lease term (in years) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Total lease cost Lease, Cost Capital Unit, Class [Domain] Capital Unit, Class [Domain] Dividends Declared Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Cash Flows from Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Oahu Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026 Oahu Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026 [Member] Oahu Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026 [Member] Lease income Operating Lease, Lease Income Clearway Energy LLC and Clearway Energy Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility, due 2023 Clearway Energy LLC and Clearway Energy Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility, due 2023 [Member] Clearway Energy LLC and Clearway Energy Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility, due 2023 Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Lease Agreements Lease Agreements [Member] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Revenue Related to Leases Lessor Revenue [Table Text Block] Lessor Revenue [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Less imputed interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Energy Center Minneapolis Series D, E, F, G, H Notes, due 2025-2037 Energy Center Minneapolis Series D, E, F, G, H Notes [Member] Energy Center Minneapolis Series D, E, F, G, H Notes [Member] Losses expected to be realized from OCL during the next 12 months, tax expense (benefit) Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months, Tax The estimated tax impact of existing gains or losses on cash flow hedges, at the reporting date, which are expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months. Repayments of debt Repayments of Debt Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Losses per Weighted Average Class A and Class C Common Share - Basic and Diluted (in dollars per share) Loss per weighted average common share - basic and diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Intangible assets, net Intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Power Power [Member] Details pertaining to the power, which is considered as a derivative commodity. Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Expenses from transactions with related party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Natural Gas Natural Gas [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Loss on disposal of asset components Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Buckthorn Solar, due 2025 Buckthorn Solar, due 2025 [Member] Buckthorn Solar, due 2025 [Member] Weighted average discount rate (as a percentage) Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Subtotal project-level debt: Project Level Debt [Member] Project Level Debt [Member] Construction Debt Construction Debt [Member] Construction Debt Kawailoa Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026 Kawailoa Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026 [Member] Kawailoa Solar Holdings LLC, due 2026 [Member] PG&E PG&E [Member] PG&E [Member] Cash and cash equivalents, held at project subsidiaries Other Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Kawailoa Partnership Kawailoa Solar Partnership LLC [Member] Kawailoa Solar Partnership LLC [Member] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Derivative, notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Debt instrument, redemption price, percentage Debt Instrument, Redemption Price, Percentage Unrealized loss on derivatives, net of income tax benefit of $2 and $0 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cash Flow Hedge, Gain (Loss), after Reclassification and Tax Economic Interest Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Elkhorn Ridge Elkhorn Ridge [Member] Elkhorn Ridge Total losses for the period included in earnings Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Nature of Business Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Variable lease cost Variable Lease, Cost Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Common stock, authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Spring Canyon Spring Canyon [Member] Spring Canyon [Member] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Short- term lease liability - operating leases Operating Lease, Liability, Current CVSR, due 2037 CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] CVSR Financing Agreement [Member] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Proceeds from the revolving credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Changes in other working capital Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Long-term debt, excluding current maturities Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities 2028 Senior Notes 4.75% Senior Notes due 2028 [Member] 4.75% Senior Notes due 2028 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Losses expected to be realized from OCL during the next 12 months, net of income tax benefit of $3 Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Laredo Ridge, due 2028 Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2028 [Member] Laredo Ridge Wind, LLC, due in 2028 [Member] Commodity contracts long-term Commodity Contract Long-Term [Member] Commodity Contract Long-Term [Member] Remainder of 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Dividends payable, date of record Dividends Payable, Date of Record Mark-to-market for economic hedges Revenue, Mark-to-market Hedging Activities Revenue, Mark-to-market Hedging Activities Common stock dividends and distributions to CEG Dividends, Common Stock 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] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Preferred stock issued (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Allocations of taxable income (as a percentage) Taxable Income Allocation, Pre-Flip Taxable Income Allocation, Pre-Flip Measurement Input Type [Axis] Measurement Input Type [Axis] Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Elbow Creek TE Holdco Elbow Creek TE Holdco [Member] Elbow Creek TE Holdco LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Total lease payments Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received Other non-current assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Purchases Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Purchases Cash Flows from Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax 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 Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt Segment Reporting Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Capital expenditures Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Investments Accounted for by the Equity Method and Variable Interest Entities Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Leases Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block] Valuation Approach and Technique [Axis] Valuation Approach and Technique [Axis] Derivative asset Derivative Asset Long-term debt and lease obligation, including current maturities Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Including Current Maturities Alta TE Holdco Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Alta X and XI TE Holdco [Member] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Derivative nonmonetary notional amount (energy measure) Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure San Juan Mesa San Juan Mesa [Member] San Juan Mesa Cash Distribution Cash Distribution [Member] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Common stock, dividends, per share, cash paid (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Customer Contracts Customer Contracts [Member] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Valuation Approach and Technique [Domain] Valuation Approach and Technique [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items] Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combinations [Abstract] Lessor, Lease, Description [Table] Lessor, Lease, Description [Table] Other Other Consolidated Variable Interest Entities [Member] Other Consolidated Variable Interest Entities Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, due 2027 and 2038 Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, due 2027 [Member] Carlsbad Energy Holdings LLC, due 2027 Weighted Average Weighted Average [Member] Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Long Term Debt Current Long Term Debt Current [Member] Long Term Debt Current [Member] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Related Party Transaction Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Purpose [Axis] Purpose [Axis] Purpose Conventional Generation, Utility-Scale Solar, Distributed Solar, and Wind Conventional Generation, Utility-Scale Solar, Distributed Solar, and Wind [Member] Conventional Generation, Utility-Scale Solar, Distributed Solar, and Wind [Member] Debt instrument, repurchased face amount Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount 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] Business combination, consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Derivative instruments Derivative Liability, Noncurrent DGPV Holdco 3 LLC DGPV Holdco 3 [Member] DGPV Holdco 3 [Member] Operating Funds Operating Funds [Member] Operating Funds [Member] CEG CEG [Member] CEG [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Accounts payable — trade Accounts Payable, Current General and Administrative Expense General and administrative expenes General and Administrative Expense Tax Equity Investors Tax Equity Investors [Member] Tax Equity Investors [Member] Wildorado TE Holdco Wildorado TE Holdco [Member] Wildorado TE Holdco Repowering Partnership II LLC Repowering Partnership II LLC [Member] Repowering Partnership II LLC [Member] Mark-to-market of cash flow hedge accounting contracts Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax 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. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Accounts receivable, related parties, noncurrent Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Noncurrent Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Common stock issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Entity common stock, shares outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Par value - common stock (in usd per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Total operating costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Clearway Energy LLC Clearway Energy LLC [Member] Clearway Energy LLC [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation Inventory Inventory, Net Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Duquesne, due 2059 Duquesne Due 2059 [Member] Duquesne Due 2059 [Member] Public Shareholders Public Shareholders [Member] Public Shareholders Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Offsetting of derivatives by counterparty master agreement level and collateral received or paid Offsetting Liabilities [Table Text Block] Non-current assets Assets, Noncurrent Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] [Line Items] for Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Table] Avenal Avenal [Member] Avenal Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Future Minimum Lease Commitments Under Operating Leases Lessor, Operating Leases, Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Lessor, Operating Leases, Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Effective income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] 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] Total Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities Reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate to the Company's effective rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Reclassification Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D common stock, $0.01 par value; 3,000,000,000 shares authorized (Class A 500,000,000, Class B 500,000,000, Class C 1,000,000,000, Class D 1,000,000,000); 199,406,906 shares issued and outstanding (Class A 34,599,645, Class B 42,738,750, Class C 79,329,761, Class D 42,738,750) at March 31, 2020 and 198,819,999 shares issued and outstanding (Class A 34,599,645, Class B 42,738,750, Class C 78,742,854, Class D 42,738,750) at December 31, 2019 Common Stock, Value, Issued Solar Facilities Solar Facilities [Member] Solar Facilities [Member] Ownership interest (as a percentage) Limited Liability Company or Limited Partnership, Members or Limited Partners, Ownership Interest 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] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Buyout of Wind TE Holdco noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Acquisitions and Dispositions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Class C common stock remaining available for issuance ATM program, dollar value of shares remaining ATM program, dollar value of shares remaining Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table] Purpose [Domain] Purpose [Domain] Purpose Alpine due 2022 Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Alpine Financing Agreement, due 2022 [Member] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Changes in Capital Structure Partners' Capital Notes Disclosure [Text Block] Right of use assets, net ROU Assets - operating leases Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Accumulated OCL ending balance, income tax expense (benefit) AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Tax Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Third Party Investor Third Party Investor [Member] Third Party Investor [Member] Investments in unconsolidated affiliates Payments to acquire equity method investments Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Transaction and integration costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Acquired membership interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Underlying Asset Class [Domain] Underlying Asset Class [Domain] 2020 Convertible Notes 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 3.25% Convertible Notes due 2020 [Member] 2026 Senior Notes 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] 5.00% Senior Notes due in 2026 [Member] Fair value assets, measured on recurring basis, valuation techniques, impact of credit reserve to fair value Fair Value Assets, Measured on Recurring Basis, Valuation Techniques, Impact of Credit Reserve to Fair Value This element represents the increase (decrease) to fair value from applying a credit reserve to reflect credit risk on the valuation techniques used to measure fair value of Level 2 and 3 derivative contracts which is calculated based on credit default swaps. Capital contributions, net of distributions, cash Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Sale of Parent Equity Interest Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Common Class D Common Class D [Member] Common Class D [Member] Short Short [Member] Lease Cost Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Depreciation, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Changes in deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Outstanding antidilutive equity instruments (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Partnership interest acquisition Payments to Acquire Limited Partnership Interests Company Structure Organizational Structure [Table Text Block] Org Structure [Table Text Block] Equity investments in affiliates Equity Method Investments Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] CWSP Wildorado Elbow Holding LLC CWSP Wildorado Elbow Holding LLC [Member] CWSP Wildorado Elbow Holding LLC Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Debt issuance costs, net Debt Issuance Costs, Net Oahu Solar Partnership Oahu Solar Partnership [Member] Oahu Solar Partnership [Member] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Agua Caliente Borrower Agua Caliente Borrower 2 [Member] Agua Caliente Borrower 2 [Member] Derivatives Not Designated as Cash Flow Hedges: Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Dividends payable, date declared Dividends Payable, Date Declared Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Interest Interest [Member] Details pertaining to interest rate swaps which are considered a derivative commodity. AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Interest rate contracts Interest Rate Contract [Member]