v2.4.0.6
Consolidating financial information (Details 5) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Condensed consolidating statement of operations and comprehensive income      
Net income (loss) $ (100,320) $ (35,641) $ (3,855)
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Unrealized loss on hedging activities (949) (2,647) (360)
Net amount reclassified to earnings 888 1,009 1,474
Net unrealized losses on derivatives (61) (1,638) 1,114
Defined benefit plan, net of tax (1,263) (489)  
Foreign currency translation adjustments 15,900 (3,321)  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 14,576 (5,448) 1,114
Comprehensive loss (85,744) (41,089) (2,741)
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 12,456 2,767 (103)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Atlantic Power Corporation (98,200) (43,856) (2,638)
Guarantor Subsidiaries
      
Condensed consolidating statement of operations and comprehensive income      
Net income (loss) (81,416) (43,259)  
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Unrealized loss on hedging activities (949) (2,647)  
Net amount reclassified to earnings 888 1,009  
Net unrealized losses on derivatives (61) (1,638)  
Defined benefit plan, net of tax (1,263) (489)  
Foreign currency translation adjustments 15,900 (3,321)  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 14,576 (5,448)  
Comprehensive loss (66,840) (48,707)  
Less: Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 12,456 2,767  
Comprehensive loss attributable to Atlantic Power Corporation (79,296) (51,474)  
Curtis Palmer
      
Condensed consolidating statement of operations and comprehensive income      
Net income (loss) 1,583 3,608  
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Comprehensive loss 1,583 3,608  
Comprehensive loss attributable to Atlantic Power Corporation 1,583 3,608  
APC
      
Condensed consolidating statement of operations and comprehensive income      
Net income (loss) (20,112) 5,379  
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Comprehensive loss (20,112) 5,379  
Comprehensive loss attributable to Atlantic Power Corporation (20,112) 5,379  
Eliminations
      
Condensed consolidating statement of operations and comprehensive income      
Net income (loss) (375) (1,369)  
Other comprehensive income (loss):      
Comprehensive loss (375) (1,369)  
Comprehensive loss attributable to Atlantic Power Corporation $ (375) $ (1,369)