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Segmented information - Additional Information (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	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