XML 106 R74.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.21.1

Acquisitions - Narratives (Details) $ in Thousands |  |  | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jun. 22, 2020 USD ($) item | Jun. 18, 2020 USD ($) | Apr. 30, 2020 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2020 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2019 USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2019 USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Warrants |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 98 | $ 525 | $ 2,231
Increase in goodwill |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 62,600 |  |  |
Change in fair value |  |  |  | $ 1,130 | $ 1,130 | $ 1,160 |  |  |  |
Deferred tax liability |  |  |  |  |  | 5,900 |  |  |  |
Reduction to valuation allowance |  |  |  |  |  | 5,200 |  |  |  |
Unrecognized tax benefits released due to expiration of stature of limitations |  |  |  |  |  | 5,200 |  |  |  |
Giner ELX, Inc |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of outstanding shares | 100.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Earn-out payments | $ 16,000 |  |  |  |  | 7,800 |  |  |  |
Achievement of Allagash earn out | 8,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Receipt of certain customer opportunities | 2,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Achievement of revenue targets | $ 6,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of electrolyzer stacks | item | 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Warrants term | 2 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase in other liabilities |  |  |  |  |  | 700 |  |  |  |
Increase in goodwill |  |  |  |  |  | 700 |  |  |  |
Fair value contingent estimated |  |  |  |  |  | 9,600 |  |  |  |
Change in fair value |  |  |  |  |  | 1,800 |  |  |  |
Deferred tax liability | $ 5,889 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues |  |  |  |  |  | 3,600 |  |  |  |
Giner ELX, Inc | Non achieving of allagash earn out revenue by July 31, 2033 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of monthly reduction of contingent consideration | 8.33% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Giner ELX, Inc | Earn-out revenue exceeds 150% of target stated for year 2023 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Warrants | $ 5,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Giner ELX, Inc | Earn-out revenue exceeds 200% of target stated for year 2023 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Warrants | $ 10,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
United Hydrogen Group Inc |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Percentage of outstanding shares |  | 100.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Earn-out payments |  | $ 1,100 |  |  |  | 200 |  |  |  |
Cash paid in respect to certain indebtedness |  |  | $ 1,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase in goodwill |  | 200 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Decrease in long term debt |  | 1,900 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Increase in other liabilities |  | 1,700 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Payment made on achievement of first milestone |  | 300 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Change in fair value of contingent consideration due to reduction in the probability assessment |  | $ 610 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revenues |  |  |  |  |  | 4,200 |  |  |  |
United Hydrogen Group Inc | Common Stock |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Value of shares of common stock issued |  |  | $ 6,500 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Developed Technology Rights | United Hydrogen Group Inc |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of acquisition |  |  |  |  |  | 2,300 |  |  |  |
In process R&D | Giner ELX, Inc |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of acquisition |  |  |  |  |  | 29,000 |  |  |  |
Customer relationships | Giner ELX, Inc |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of acquisition |  |  |  |  |  | 400 |  |  |  |
Wet Stack Technology | Giner ELX, Inc |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair value of acquisition |  |  |  |  |  | $ 400 |  |  |  |

X
- Definition The change in fair value of contingent consideration due to reduction in the probability assessment that the second expansion milestone will be met. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | plug_BusinessCombinationChangeInFairValueOfContingentConsiderationDueToReductionInProbabilityAssessmentThatSecondExpansionWillBeMet
Namespace Prefix: | plug_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of liability recognized arising from contingent consideration in a business combination up on achieving of Allagash earn out. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | plug_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityAchievementOfAllagashEarnOut
Namespace Prefix: | plug_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of liability recognized arising from contingent consideration in a business combination up on achieving of revenue targets. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | plug_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityAchievementOfRevenueTargets
Namespace Prefix: | plug_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value of contingent consideration liability under business combination. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | plug_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix: | plug_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of liability recognized arising from contingent consideration in a business combination up on receiving of certain customer opportunities. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | plug_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiabilityReceiptOfCustomerOpportunities
Namespace Prefix: | plug_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The percentage of monthly reduction of contingent consideration payment up on not achieving the earn out on time. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | plug_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationPaymentReductionPercentMonthly
Namespace Prefix: | plug_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of payment made to the sellers as a result of achieving the first milestone related to the expansion of the liquefication capacity. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | plug_BusinessCombinationPaymentMadeOnAchievementOfFirstMilestone
Namespace Prefix: | plug_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Represents the minimum number of production of electrolyzer stocks with the capacity of one megawatt each to be produced in order to achieve earn out production. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | plug_EarnOutAchievementMinimumProductionOfElectrolyzerStacks
Namespace Prefix: | plug_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of increase or decrease in long term debt during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | plug_IncreaseDecreaseInLongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | plug_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Value of equity interests (such as common shares, preferred shares, or partnership interest) issued or issuable to acquire the entity. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120321790&loc=d3e6927-128479 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionEquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableValueAssigned
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Percentage of voting equity interests acquired at the acquisition date in the business combination. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=79982066&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of tangible or intangible assets, including a business or subsidiary of the acquirer transferred by the entity to the former owners of the acquiree. Excludes cash. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120321790&loc=d3e6927-128479 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationConsiderationTransferredOther1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in the value of a contingent consideration liability, including, but not limited to, differences arising upon settlement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120321790&loc=d3e7008-128479 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationArrangementsChangeInAmountOfContingentConsiderationLiability1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of liability recognized arising from contingent consideration in a business combination. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=120321790&loc=d3e6927-128479 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 35 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116859824&loc=d3e6819-128478 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 30 -Section 25 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6911189&loc=d3e6408-128476 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationContingentConsiderationLiability
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This element represents the amount of revenue of the acquiree since the acquisition date included in the consolidated income statement for the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (h)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=79982066&loc=d3e1392-128463 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationProFormaInformationRevenueOfAcquireeSinceAcquisitionDateActual
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences assumed at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121647850&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedDeferredTaxLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, that lack physical substance, having a projected indefinite period of benefit, acquired at the acquisition date. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121647850&loc=d3e4845-128472 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessCombinationRecognizedIdentifiableAssetsAcquiredAndLiabilitiesAssumedIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssets
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The amount of the valuation allowance recorded in a business combination against deductible temporary differences for which related tax benefits will be recorded as a reduction of the acquired entity's income tax expense (after such benefits are first being applied to reduce goodwill and then other noncurrent intangible assets to zero). + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 805 -SubTopic 740 -Section 25 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121554379&loc=d3e9901-128506 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DeferredTaxesBusinessCombinationValuationAllowanceAvailableToReduceIncomeTaxExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121556970&loc=d3e13816-109267 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in noncurrent operating liabilities classified as other. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherNoncurrentLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in operating liabilities classified as other. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=121586364&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingLiabilities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of decrease in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from lapses of applicable statutes of limitations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 15A -Subparagraph (a)(4) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=84230637&loc=SL6600010-109319 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Value of outstanding derivative securities that permit the holder the right to purchase securities (usually equity) from the issuer at a specified price. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_WarrantsAndRightsOutstanding
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Period between issuance and expiration of outstanding warrant and right embodying unconditional obligation requiring redemption by transferring asset at specified or determinable date or upon event certain to occur, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -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_WarrantsAndRightsOutstandingTerm
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=plug_GinerElxIncMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_StatementScenarioAxis=plug_NonAchievingOfAllagashEarnOutByJuly312033Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_StatementScenarioAxis=plug_EarnOutRevenueExceeds150OfYear2023TargetMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_StatementScenarioAxis=plug_EarnOutRevenueExceeds200OfYear2023TargetMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionAxis=plug_UnitedHydrogenGroupIncMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_EquityInterestIssuedOrIssuableByTypeAxis=us-gaap_CommonStockMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_DevelopedTechnologyRightsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_InProcessResearchAndDevelopmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_CustomerRelationshipsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=plug_WetStackTechnologyMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |