v2.4.0.6
Equity method investments (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2012
Frederickson
Dec. 31, 2011
Frederickson
Dec. 31, 2012
Badger Creek Limited
Dec. 31, 2011
Badger Creek Limited
Dec. 31, 2010
Badger Creek Limited
Dec. 31, 2012
Orlando Cogen, LP
Dec. 31, 2011
Orlando Cogen, LP
Dec. 31, 2010
Orlando Cogen, LP
Dec. 31, 2012
Onondaga Renewables, LLC
Dec. 31, 2011
Onondaga Renewables, LLC
Dec. 31, 2010
Onondaga Renewables, LLC
Sep. 30, 2011
Onondaga Renewables, LLC
Dec. 31, 2012
Koma Kulshan Associates
Dec. 31, 2011
Koma Kulshan Associates
Dec. 31, 2010
Koma Kulshan Associates
Dec. 31, 2012
Chambers Cogen, LP
Dec. 31, 2011
Chambers Cogen, LP
Dec. 31, 2010
Chambers Cogen, LP
Dec. 31, 2012
Delta-Person, LP
Dec. 31, 2012
Rockland Wind Farm
Dec. 31, 2011
Rockland Wind Farm
Dec. 31, 2012
Idaho Wind Partners 1, LLC
Dec. 31, 2011
Idaho Wind Partners 1, LLC
Dec. 31, 2010
Idaho Wind Partners 1, LLC
Dec. 31, 2012
Selkirk Cogen Partners, LP
Dec. 31, 2011
Selkirk Cogen Partners, LP
Dec. 31, 2010
Selkirk Cogen Partners, LP
Dec. 31, 2012
Gregory Power Partners, LP
Dec. 31, 2011
Gregory Power Partners, LP
Dec. 31, 2010
Gregory Power Partners, LP
Dec. 31, 2012
Goshen North
Dec. 31, 2012
PERH
Dec. 31, 2011
PERH
Feb. 16, 2012
PERH
Dec. 31, 2012
Other
Dec. 31, 2011
Other
Dec. 31, 2010
Other
Dec. 31, 2012
Power L.P.
Dec. 31, 2011
Power L.P.
Equity method investments                                                                                    
Percentage of ownership interest       50.00%         50.00%     50.00%     50.00% 49.80%     40.00%     40.00% 50.00%   27.60%     18.50%     17.10%     12.50%     14.30%          
Carrying value $ 428,690 $ 474,351   $ 167,723 $ 166,837   $ 6,477   $ 19,930 $ 25,955   $ 167 $ 291     $ 6,393 $ 5,856   $ 154,300 $ 143,797       $ 12,500 $ 34,703 $ 36,143   $ 33,700 $ 47,357   $ 2,796 $ 3,520   $ 8,978   $ 25,609     $ 9      
Percentage of ownership, before increase                                             30.00%                                      
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates 15,246 6,356 13,777     (2,778) (4) 749 3,200 863 2,031 (433) (1,761) (320)   537 483 452 17,082 7,739 13,144   (7,997)   (193) (1,563) (126) 7,640 (406) (3,454) (725) 524 2,162   (1,963) 38   (10) (1) (861) 886 444
Distributions from equity method investments (38,347) (21,889) (16,843)                                                                              
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions $ (23,101) $ (15,533) $ (3,066)