XML 107 R87.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.10.0.1
Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S non-controlling interests (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Jan. 05, 2017
Jan. 04, 2017
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]        
Payments from changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries that do not result in loss of control     $ 0 $ 47
Ballard Power Systems Europe NCI adjustment for change in ownership     $ 480 $ 480
Ballard Power Systems Europe A/S        
Disclosure of subsidiaries [line items]        
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary 100.00% 57.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Proportion of ownership interest in subsidiary, purchase of additional interest, percentage 43.00%      
Repayments of borrowings, classified as financing activities     $ 521  
Payments from changes in ownership interests in subsidiaries that do not result in loss of control $ 47   $ 47