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Derivative Instruments (Details 4) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 | Dec. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Interest expense |  | $ 628 | $ 645 | $ 696
Interest Rate Swap [Member] |  |  |  |
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Gains (Loss) Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion) | [1],[2] | 23 | (2) | 86
Interest expense |  | 3 | 11 | 2
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] |  |  |  |
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Interest expense | [1],[2],[3],[4] | $ (47) | $ (46) | $ (51)
[1] | We did not record any material gain (loss) on hedge ineffectiveness related to our interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.
[2] | We recorded income tax expense of nil for each of the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and an income tax expense of $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, in AOCI related to our cash flow hedging activities.
[3] | Cumulative cash flow hedge losses attributable to Calpine, net of tax, remaining in AOCI were $127 million, $149 million and $148 million at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Cumulative cash flow hedge losses attributable to the noncontrolling interest, net of tax, remaining in AOCI were $11 million, $12 million and $11 million at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
[4] | Includes losses of $10 million and $12 million that were reclassified from AOCI to interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, where the hedged transactions are no longer expected to occur.

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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=56946850&loc=SL5624171-113959 + Details
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- Definition Amount of the cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest expense. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 225 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.9) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882 + Details
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