XML 133 R116.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.8.0.1

Segmented information - Additional Information (Detail) | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2017 business_unit country
Segment Reporting [Abstract] |
Number of business units | business_unit | 2
Number of countries in which entity operates | country | 2

X
- Definition Number of Business Units + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aqunf_NumberofBusinessUnits
Namespace Prefix: | aqunf_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of countries in which the entity operates as of balance sheet date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NumberOfCountriesInWhichEntityOperates
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

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