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Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Mar. 31, 2011
Operating revenues $ 1,236 $ 1,499
Operating expenses:    
Fuel and purchased energy expense 632 1,069
Plant operating expense 221 238
Depreciation and amortization expense 140 131
Sales, general and other administrative expense 33 32
Other operating expense 24 20
Total operating expenses 1,050 1,490
(Income) loss from unconsolidated investments in power plants (9) (9)
Income from operations 195 18
Interest expense 185 191
Loss on interest rate derivatives 14 109
Interest (income) (3) (3)
Debt extinguishment costs 12 93
Other (income) expense, net 2 7
Income (loss) before income taxes and discontinued operations (15) (379)
Income tax expense (benefit) (6) (83) [1]
Net income (loss) (9) (296)
Net (income) loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest 0 (1)
Net income (loss) attributable to Calpine $ (9) $ (297)
Basic earnings (loss) per common share attributable to Calpine:    
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding (in thousands) 478,106 486,191
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Calpine — basic $ (0.02) $ (0.61)
[1] Represents approximately $76 million related to the election to consolidate our CCFC and Calpine groups for federal income tax reporting purposes and $34 million related to intraperiod tax allocation tax benefits offset by approximately $27 million of state and foreign tax expense.