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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Net (Loss)/Income Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. After Removing Net Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended
--- | --- | ---
Sep. 30, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |  |  |  |
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax | $ 374 | $ 274 | $ 656 | $ 547
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income tax | (2) | (346) | 399 | (267)
Net income/(loss) attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. | $ 372 | $ (72) | $ 1,055 | $ 280

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