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Long-term investments - Investments in Significant Partnerships and Joint Ventures (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019
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Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |
Assets | $ 13,223,906 | $ 10,920,786
Liabilities | 7,234,541 | 6,182,415
AQN's investment carrying amount for the entities | 186,452 | 82,111
Investments in Significant Partnerships and Joint Ventures |  |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |
Assets | 3,201,967 | 833,791
Liabilities | 2,913,188 | 697,751
Net assets | 288,779 | 136,040
Investments in Significant Partnerships and Joint Ventures | APUC |  |
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] |  |
Net assets | 141,666 | 63,624
Difference between investment carrying amount and underlying equity in net assets(a) | 44,786 | 18,487
AQN's investment carrying amount for the entities | $ 186,452 | $ 82,111

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