XML 93 R75.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.19.2

Financial instruments - Additional Information (Detail) | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2018 CAD ($) | Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2019 CAD ($) MMBTU $ / MWh | Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($) MMBTU $ / MWh | Mar. 31, 2019 CAD ($) | Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) | Jan. 31, 2017 USD ($) | Jan. 31, 2014 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2012 CAD ($)
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Effective portion of cash flow hedge, gain (loss) | $ 6,442,000 | $ 6,204,000 | $ 10,087,000 |  | $ 3,764,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Other comprehensive income, foreign currency gain (loss) | 9,599,000 | (14,574,000) | 24,007,000 |  | (11,719,000) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax recovery of $365 and $112 (2018 - $1,178 and $878), respectively (notes 20(b)(iii) and 20(b)(iv)) | (2,859,000) | (10,370,000) | 11,955,000 |  | (12,816,000) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total realized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments | 434,000 | 276,000 | 157,000 | $ 204,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Not designated as a hedge |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain (loss) on derivative | 831,000 | 209,000 | 347,000 | 9,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total realized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments | 288,000 | (452,000) | 366,000 | (872,000) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Liberty Power Group |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax recovery of $365 and $112 (2018 - $1,178 and $878), respectively (notes 20(b)(iii) and 20(b)(iv)) | $ 3,365,000 | (11,477,000) | $ 20,205,000 |  | (17,940,000) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Bonds |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 135,000 |  |  |  |
Bonds | Plan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, term |  |  | 10 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 135,000,000 |  |  |  |  |
Senior Unsecured Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 3,781,906,000 |  | $ 3,336,795,000 |  |  |
Senior Unsecured Notes | Senior Unsecured Notes Due January 2029 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, term | 10 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Par value |  |  |  |  |  | $ 300,000,000 |  | $ 300,000 |  |  |  |
Interest rate (as a percent) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4.60% |  |  |  |
Senior Unsecured Notes | Liberty Power Group | 4.82% Senior Unsecured Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Par value |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 150,000,000
Senior Unsecured Notes | Liberty Power Group | 4.65% Senior Unsecured Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Par value |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 200,000 |
Senior Unsecured Notes | Liberty Power Group | Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Par value |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 300,000 |  |
Foreign exchange forward | Not designated as a hedge |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total realized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments | $ 288,000 | (452,000) | $ 573,000 | (859,000) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Forward contracts |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commodity volumes, Gas | MMBTU |  |  |  |  |  | 4,660,000 | 4,660,000 |  |  |  |  |
Other comprehensive income, foreign currency gain (loss) | 433,000 | 276,000 | 156,000 |  | $ 204,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Energy contracts | Not designated as a hedge |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total realized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments | $ 0 | $ 0 | $ (207,000) | $ (13,000) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash flow hedge | Interest rate swaps |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Term of forward-starting interest rate swap |  |  | 10 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Forward price | $ / MWh |  |  |  |  |  | 12.30 | 12.30 |  |  |  |  |
Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Forward price | $ / MWh |  |  |  |  |  | 112.24 | 112.24 |  |  |  |  |
Weighted Average |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Forward price | $ / MWh |  |  |  |  |  | 24.46 | 24.46 |  |  |  |  |
Fair value |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative financial instruments, assets |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 82,117,000 |  | 62,808,000 |  |  |
Fair value | Forward contracts | Not designated as a hedge |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative financial instruments, assets |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,120,000 |  |  |  |  |
Fair value | Energy contracts | Not designated as a hedge |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative financial instruments, assets |  |  |  |  |  | $ 423,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair value | Cash flow hedge | Forward contracts | Not designated as a hedge |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative financial instruments, assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 869,000 |  |  |
Carrying amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative financial instruments, assets |  |  |  |  |  |  | 82,117,000 |  | 62,808,000 |  |  |
Carrying amount | Forward contracts | Not designated as a hedge |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative financial instruments, assets |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,120,000 |  |  |  |  |
Carrying amount | Energy contracts | Not designated as a hedge |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative financial instruments, assets |  |  |  |  |  | $ 423,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Carrying amount | Cash flow hedge | Forward contracts | Not designated as a hedge |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative financial instruments, assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 869,000 |  |  |
Non-regulated Energy Sales |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unrealized gains currently in accumulated other comprehensive loss to be reclassified into net earnings within next twelve months |  |  | $ 8,636,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unrealized gains currently in accumulated other comprehensive loss to be reclassified into net earnings within next twelve months |  |  | $ 2,198,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unobservable inputs |  |  |  |  |  | 0.092 | 0.092 |  |  |  |  |
Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unobservable inputs |  |  |  |  |  | 0.097 | 0.097 |  |  |  |  |
Measurement Input, Discount Rate | Weighted Average |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Unobservable inputs |  |  |  |  |  | 0.0966 | 0.0966 |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Volume of Energy Commodity Contracts, Natural Gas + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aqunf_VolumeOfEnergyCommodityContractsNaturalGas
Namespace Prefix: | aqunf_
Data Type: | num:energyItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The estimated net amount of existing gains or losses on cash flow hedges at the reporting date expected to be reclassified to earnings within the next 12 months. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=112277219&loc=d3e80748-113994 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashFlowHedgeGainLossToBeReclassifiedWithinTwelveMonths
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775744&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=114775985&loc=d3e28878-108400 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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 Period of time between issuance and maturity of debt instrument, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentTerm
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Value of input used to measure derivative asset. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (bbb)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117815213&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeAssetMeasurementInput
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value, after the effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial asset or other contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes assets not subject to a master netting arrangement and not elected to be offset. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Section 55 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=99393222&loc=SL20226008-175313 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118260190&loc=d3e13433-108611 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51824906&loc=SL20225862-175312 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The forward price on the price risk forward or futures contract, such as a gas futures contract. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeForwardPrice
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | srt-types:perUnitItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in the fair value of derivatives recognized in the income statement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4A -Subparagraph (b)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5618551-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of realized and unrealized gain (loss) of derivative instruments not designated or qualifying as hedging instruments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4CC -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL109998890-113959 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4C -Subparagraph (e) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109980867&loc=SL5624171-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsGainLossNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

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_DerivativeLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Period the derivative contract is outstanding, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeTermOfContract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 470 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (b)(3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109500613&loc=SL6031897-161870 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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=119400593&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -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 after tax, before reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450520&loc=d3e32583-110901 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 18 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118261656&loc=d3e32157-110900 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 20 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118261656&loc=d3e32211-110900 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118261656&loc=d3e32022-110900 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10A -Subparagraph (a-c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL7669646-108580 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=d3e637-108580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after tax and reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency translation adjustments, foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity and intra-entity foreign currency transactions that are of a long-term-investment nature. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10A -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL7669646-108580 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph (b,c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118261656&loc=d3e32211-110900 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before tax of increase (decrease) in accumulated gain (loss) from derivative instruments designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges and an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gain (loss). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=d3e637-108580 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109978405&loc=d3e80720-113993 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 10A -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL7669646-108580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis=us-gaap_NondesignatedMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis=aqunf_GenerationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | srt_StatementScenarioAxis=us-gaap_ScenarioPlanMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=aqunf_SeniorUnsecuredNotesDueJanuary2029Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=aqunf_SeniorUnsecuredNotes4.82Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=aqunf_SeniorUnsecuredNotes4.65Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_ForeignExchangeForwardMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_ForwardContractsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis=us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_WeightedAverageMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis=us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis=us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=aqunf_NonregulatedEnergySalesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_MeasurementInputTypeAxis=us-gaap_MeasurementInputDiscountRateMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |