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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Redeemable Non Controlling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 78	$ 46	$ 29
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(43)	(65)	(158)
Contributions from redeemable noncontrolling interest	26	99	33
Comprehensive loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest	1	(72)	(38)
Net loss attributable to redeemable noncontrolling interest - discontinued operations	(27)
Deconsolidation of NRG Yield and the Renewables Platform	(2,548)
Balance at end of period	19	78	46
Redeemable noncontrolling interest
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Distributions to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(3)	(2)	(1)
Non-cash adjustments to redeemable noncontrolling interest	(8)	$ 7	$ 23
NRG Yield Inc. And Zephyr Renewables
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Deconsolidation of NRG Yield and the Renewables Platform	$ (48)

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