v3.3.0.814
Document and Entity Information - shares
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2015
Nov. 09, 2015
Document and Entity Information:    
Entity Registrant Name PLUG POWER INC  
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Sep. 30, 2015  
Amendment Flag false  
Entity Central Index Key 0001093691  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   179,984,933
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2015  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q3