v2.4.0.6
Accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities (Details) (CAD)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
item
Dec. 31, 2012
Epsilon Power Partners
Dec. 31, 2012
Swaption interest rate from December 30, 2011 to December 31, 2026
Dec. 31, 2012
Swaption interest rate from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2031
Dec. 31, 2012
Swaption interest rate from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2012
Swaption interest rate from December 2024 to December 2030
Dec. 31, 2012
Natural gas swaps
MMBTU
Dec. 31, 2011
Natural gas swaps
MMBTU
Dec. 31, 2012
Natural gas swaps during 2014 and 2015
Orlando project
MMBTU
Dec. 31, 2012
Natural gas swaps during 2016 and 2017
Orlando project
MMBTU
Dec. 31, 2012
Interest rate swaps
Epsilon Power Partners
Dec. 31, 2012
Interest rate swaps
Swaption interest rate until February 15, 2015
Dec. 31, 2012
Interest rate swaps
Swaption interest rate from February 15, 2015 to February 15, 2019
Dec. 31, 2012
Interest rate swaps
Swaption interest rate from February 16, 2019 to February 15, 2023
Dec. 31, 2012
Interest rate swaps
Swaption interest rate after February 15, 2023
Dec. 31, 2012
Interest rate swaps
Swaption interest rate until February 29, 2016
Piedmont project
Dec. 31, 2012
Interest rate swaps
Swaption interest rate from February, 2016 to November, 2017
Piedmont project
Dec. 31, 2012
Interest rate swaps
Swaption interest rate from November, 2017 to November, 2030
Piedmont project
Dec. 31, 2012
Foreign currency forward contracts
Derivative instruments                                      
Percentage of ownership interest   100.00%         50.00%                        
Percentage of the entity's share in required natural gas purchases hedge                 64.00% 25.00%                  
Swaption interest rate (as a percent)                     7.37% 6.02% 6.14% 6.26% 6.38% 1.70% 4.47% 4.47%  
Swap percentage 100.00%   4.16% 5.06% 5.08% 6.70%                          
Number of tranches 2                                    
Applicable margin, low end of range (as a percent)                               3.50%      
Applicable margin, high end of range (as a percent)                               3.75%      
Applicable margin (as a percent)                                 4.00%    
Swaption interest rate after addition of applicable margin (as a percent)                                 8.47%    
Percentage of expected dividend and convertible debenture interest payments hedge                                     60.00%
Notional amount through the end of 2013                                     6.0
Notional amount through December 2015                                     176.5
Exchange rate through the end of 2013                                     1.134
Exchange rate through December 2015                                     1.14
Notional amount (in Mmbtu)             10,640,000 14,140,000 3,200,000 1,300,000