v3.8.0.1

Project debt, Movement in project debt and Significant foreign currency denominated debts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015
--- | --- | --- | ---
Project Debt [Abstract] |  |  |
Project debt | $ 5,475,208 | $ 5,330,467 | $ 5,470,669
Euro [Member] |  |  |
Project Debt [Abstract] |  |  |
Project debt | 2,286,771 | 2,102,985 |
Algerian Dinar [Member] |  |  |
Project Debt [Abstract] |  |  |
Project debt | 35,093 | 41,598 |
Rand [Member] |  |  |
Project Debt [Abstract] |  |  |
Project debt | 456,179 | 419,708 |
All Foreign Currencies [Member] |  |  |
Project Debt [Abstract] |  |  |
Project debt | $ 2,778,043 | $ 2,564,291 |

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- Definition The current and non-current portions of project debt issued at the project level under project finance. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aby_LongTermAndShortTermProjectDebt
Namespace Prefix: | aby_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

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- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ifrs-full_DisclosureOfDetailedInformationAboutBorrowingsAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | ifrs-full_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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- Details
Name: | us-gaap_CurrencyAxis=currency_EUR
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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- Details
Name: | us-gaap_CurrencyAxis=currency_DZD
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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- Details
Name: | us-gaap_CurrencyAxis=currency_ZAR
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

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- Details
Name: | us-gaap_CurrencyAxis=aby_AllCurrenciesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |