XML 131 R101.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Debt and Capital Leases - Schedule of Long-term Debt and Capital Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions |  |  | 12 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jan. 24, 2017 | Jun. 30, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 07, 2017 | May 26, 2017 | Feb. 17, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Aug. 18, 2016 | Aug. 02, 2016 | May 23, 2016
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 16,633 |  |  |  | $ 16,704 |  |  |
Capital Lease Obligations |  |  | 5 |  |  |  | 6 |  |  |
Subtotal |  |  | 16,638 |  |  |  | 16,710 |  |  |
Less current maturities |  |  | (688) |  |  |  | (516) |  |  |
Less debt issuance costs |  |  | (204) |  |  |  | (188) |  |  |
Discounts |  |  | (30) |  |  |  | (49) |  |  |
Total long-term debt and capital leases |  |  | 15,716 |  |  |  | 15,957 |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total discounts |  |  | (30) |  |  |  | (49) |  |  |
Term loan facility, due 2023 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Discounts related to current maturities |  |  | $ 1 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Alta Wind I - V lease financing arrangements, due 2034 and 2035 | Low |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 5.696% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Alta Wind I - V lease financing arrangements, due 2034 and 2035 | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 7.015% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Recourse Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 7,182 |  |  |  | 7,795 |  |  |
Recourse Debt | Senior notes, due 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 0 |  |  |  | $ 398 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 7.625% |  |  |  | 7.625% |  |  |
Recourse Debt | Senior notes, due 2021 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 0 |  |  |  | $ 207 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 7.875% |  |  |  | 7.875% |  | 7.875% |
Recourse Debt | Senior notes, due 2022 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 992 |  |  |  | $ 992 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 6.25% |  |  |  | 6.25% |  |  |
Recourse Debt | Senior notes, due 2023 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 0 |  |  |  | $ 869 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 6.625% | 6.625% |  |  | 6.625% |  |  |
Recourse Debt | Senior notes, due 2024 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 733 |  |  |  | $ 733 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 6.25% |  |  |  | 6.25% |  |  |
Recourse Debt | Senior notes, due 2026 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 1,000 |  |  |  | $ 1,000 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 7.25% |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7.25%
Recourse Debt | Senior notes, due 2027 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 1,250 |  |  |  | 1,250 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 6.625% |  |  |  |  |  | 6.625% |
Recourse Debt | Senior notes, due 2028 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 870 |  |  |  | 0 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 5.75% | 5.75% |  |  |  |  |  |
Recourse Debt | Term loan facility, due 2023 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  | $ 1,900 | $ 1,872 |  |  |  | 1,891 |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unamortized discount on debt instruments |  |  | $ (7) |  |  |  | (9) |  |  |
Recourse Debt | Term loan facility, due 2023 | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) | 2.25% | 2.75% | 2.25% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Recourse Debt | Tax-exempt bonds |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 465 |  |  |  | 455 |  |  |
Recourse Debt | Tax-exempt bonds | Low |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 4.125% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Recourse Debt | Tax-exempt bonds | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 6.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 9,451 |  |  |  | 8,909 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | NRG Yield Operating LLC Senior Notes, due 2024 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 500 |  |  |  | 500 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 5.375% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | NRG Yield Operating LLC Senior Notes, due 2026 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 350 |  |  |  | 350 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 5.00% |  |  |  |  | 5.00% |  |
Non Recourse Debt | NRG Yield, Inc. Convertible Senior Notes, due 2019 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 345 |  |  |  | 345 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 3.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unamortized discount on debt instruments |  |  | $ (5) |  |  |  | (10) |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | NRG Yield, Inc. Convertible Senior Notes, due 2020 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 288 |  |  |  | 288 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 3.25% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unamortized discount on debt instruments |  |  | $ (13) |  |  |  | (17) |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | NRG Yield LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility, due 2019 (b) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 55 |  |  |  | 0 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | NRG Yield LLC and NRG Yield Operating LLC Revolving Credit Facility, due 2019 (b) | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) |  |  | 2.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 400 |  |  |  | 443 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 | LIBOR | Low |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) |  |  | 1.75% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | El Segundo Energy Center, due 2023 | LIBOR | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) |  |  | 2.375% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Marsh Landing, due 2017 and 2023 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 318 |  |  |  | 370 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Marsh Landing Term Loan Due 2017 | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) |  |  | 1.75% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Marsh Landing Term Loan Due 2023 | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) |  |  | 1.875% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Alta Wind I - V lease financing arrangements, due 2034 and 2035 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 926 |  |  |  | 965 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Walnut Creek, term loans due 2023 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 267 |  |  |  | 310 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Walnut Creek, term loans due 2023 | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) |  |  | 1.625% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Utah Portfolio, due 2022 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 278 |  |  |  | 287 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Utah Portfolio, due 2022 | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) |  |  | 2.625% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Tapestry, due 2021 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 162 |  |  |  | 172 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Tapestry, due 2021 | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) |  |  | 1.625% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | CVSR, due 2037 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 746 |  |  |  | 771 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | CVSR, due 2037 | Low |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 2.339% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | CVSR, due 2037 | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 3.775% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | CVSR HoldCo, due 2037 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 194 |  |  |  | 199 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 4.68% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Alpine, due 2022 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 135 |  |  |  | 145 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Alpine, due 2022 | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) |  |  | 1.75% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Energy Center Minneapolis, due 2025 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 83 |  |  |  | 96 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Energy Center Minneapolis, due 2025 | Low |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 5.95% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Energy Center Minneapolis, due 2025 | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 7.25% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | NRG Energy Center Minneapolis LLC Senior Secured Notes, due 2025 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 5.95% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Energy Center Minneapolis, due 2031 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 125 |  |  |  | 125 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 3.55% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Viento, due 2023 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 163 |  |  |  | 178 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Viento, due 2023 | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) |  |  | 3.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | NRG Yield - other |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 579 |  |  |  | 603 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | NRG Yield, Inc. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | 5,914 |  |  |  | 6,147 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Ivanpah, due 2033 and 2038 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 1,073 |  |  |  | 1,113 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Ivanpah, due 2033 and 2038 | Low |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 2.285% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Ivanpah, due 2033 and 2038 | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 4.256% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Carlsbad Energy Project |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 427 |  |  |  | 0 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  |  |  | 4.12% |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Carlsbad Energy Project | LIBOR | Low |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) |  |  | 1.625% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Carlsbad Energy Project | LIBOR | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) |  |  | 4.12% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Agua Caliente, due 2037 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 818 |  |  |  | 849 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Agua Caliente, due 2037 | Low |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 2.395% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Agua Caliente, due 2037 | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 3.633% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Agua Caliente Borrower 1, due 2038 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 89 |  |  |  | 0 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 5.43% |  |  | 5.43% |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Cedro Hill, due 2029 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 151 |  |  |  | 163 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Cedro Hill, due 2029 | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) |  |  | 1.75% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | Midwest Generation, due 2019 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 152 |  |  |  | 231 |  |  |
Interest rate, stated percentage |  |  | 4.39% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unamortized discount on debt instruments |  |  | $ (5) |  |  |  | (13) |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | NRG Other Renewables |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | 647 |  |  |  | 269 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | NRG Other |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | 180 |  |  |  | 137 |  |  |
Non Recourse Debt | NRG Energy |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  | $ 3,537 |  |  |  | $ 2,762 |  |  |

X
- Definition Amount equal to the present value (the principal) at the beginning of the lease term of minimum lease payments during the lease term (excluding that portion of the payments representing executory costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes to be paid by the lessor, together with any profit thereon) net of payments or other amounts applied to the principal through the balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84164817&loc=d3e45280-112737 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligations
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Sum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all debt, including all short-term borrowings, long-term debt, and capital lease obligations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.13,16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount, after accumulated amortization, of debt discount. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28541-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930739&loc=d3e28878-108400 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of debt discount to be amortized within one year or within the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28541-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930739&loc=d3e28878-108400 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount, after accumulated amortization, of debt discount (premium). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28567-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28541-108399 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930739&loc=d3e28878-108400 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28555-108399 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentUnamortizedDiscountPremiumNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount, after accumulated amortization, of debt issuance costs. Includes, but is not limited to, legal, accounting, underwriting, printing, and registration costs. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64930785&loc=d3e28555-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.17) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredFinanceCostsNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount, after unamortized (discount) premium and debt issuance costs, of long-term debt. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03(16)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt and capital lease obligation due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt and capital leases due within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.20) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligationsCurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_TermLoanFacilityDue2023Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_AltaWindIVLeasefinancingarrangementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=nrg_RecourseDebtMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_SeniorNotesDueIn2018Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_SeniorNotesDueIn2021Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_SeniorNotesDueIn2022Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_SeniorNotesDueIn2023Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_SeniorNotes2024Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_SeniorNotesdue2026Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_SeniorNotesdue2027Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_SeniorNotesdue2028Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_TaxexemptBondsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=nrg_NonRecourseDebtMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_A5.375SeniorNotesduein2024Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_A5.00SeniorNotesduein2026Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_A3.5ConvertibleNotesdue2019Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_A3.25ConvertibleNotesdue2020Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_NRGYieldandNRGYieldOperatingLLCRevolvingCreditFacilityDue2019Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_WestHoldingsCreditAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_MarshLandingTermLoanFacilityMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_MarshLandingTermLoanDue2017Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_MarshLandingTermLoanDue2023Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_WalnutCreekEnergyLLCduein2023Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_UtahPortfolioMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_TapestryWindLLCduein2021Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_CVSRdue2037Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_CVSRHoldcodue2037Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_AlpineFinancingAgreementDue2022Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_NrgEnergyCenterMinneapolisLlcSeniorSecuredNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_NrgEnergyCenterMinneapolisLlcSeniorSecuredNotesDue2025Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_NRGEnergyCenterMinneapolisLLCSeniorSecuredNotesdue2031Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_VientoFundingIIInc.duein2023Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_NRGYieldOtherMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_NrgYieldIncMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_IvanpahCreditAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_CarlsbadEnergyHoldingsLLCSeniorSecuredNotesdue2038Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_AguaCalienteFinancingAgreementMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_AguaCalienteBorrower1due2038Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_CedroHillWindLLCduein2025Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_MidwestGenerationdue2019Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_OtherRenewablesDebtMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_OtherDebtMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=nrg_NrgEnergyMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |