v3.8.0.1

Corporate debt, Movement in corporate debt, split between cash and non-cash items (Details) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Corporate debt [Abstract] |
Beginning balance | $ 668,201
Cash flow | (68,372)
Non-cash changes | 43,254
Ending balance | $ 643,083

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aby_CorporateDebtAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | aby_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The current and non-current portions of credit facilities with financial entities, notes and bonds received at the corporate parent level. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aby_LongTermAndShortTermCorporateDebt
Namespace Prefix: | aby_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The change in current and non-current portions of credit facilities with financial entities, notes and bonds received at the corporate parent level during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aby_MovementInLongTermAndShortTermCorporateDebtCashFlows
Namespace Prefix: | aby_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The change due to non-cash charges in current and non-current portions of credit facilities with financial entities, notes and bonds received at the corporate parent level during the period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aby_MovementInLongTermAndShortTermCorporateDebtNonCashCharges
Namespace Prefix: | aby_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration