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Derivative Instruments (Details 4) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended
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Mar. 31, 2014 | Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Gains (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion) | $ 0 | [1] | $ 13 | [1]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (EffectivePortion) | (13) | [1],[2] | (9) | [1],[2]
Interest Rate Swap [Member] |  |  |  |
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Gains (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion) | 0 | [3] | 13 | [3]
Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income (EffectivePortion) | $ (13) | [2],[3],[4] | $ (9) | [2],[3]
[1] | We recorded an income tax benefit of nil and $1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, in AOCI related to our cash flow hedging activities.
[2] | Cumulative cash flow hedge losses attributable to Calpine, net of tax, remaining in AOCI were $148 million at each of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Cumulative cash flow hedge losses attributable to the noncontrolling interest, net of tax, remaining in AOCI were $11 million at each of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
[3] | We did not record any gain (loss) on hedge ineffectiveness related to our interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges during the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
[4] | Includes a loss of $5 million that was reclassified from AOCI to interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 where the hedged transactions are no longer expected to occur.

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- Definition The effective portion of net gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4C -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5624171-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4D -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5624177-113959 + Details
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- Definition The effective portion of gains and losses (net) on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as hedging instruments that was recognized in other comprehensive income during the current period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4C -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7476318&loc=SL5624171-113959 + Details
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