v3.8.0.1

Project debt, movement in project debt, split between cash and non-cash items (Details) $ in Thousands | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Project debt [Abstract] |
Beginning balance | $ 5,330,467
Cash flow | (248,472)
Non-cash changes | 393,212
Ending balance | $ 5,475,208

X
- 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

X
- Definition The change in current and non-current portions of project debt issued at the project level under project finance during the period - cash movement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aby_MovementInLongTermAndShortTermProjectDebtCashFlows
Namespace Prefix: | aby_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The change due to current and non-current portions of project debt issued at the project level under project finance during the period - non-cash movement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aby_MovementInLongTermAndShortTermProjectDebtNonCashCharges
Namespace Prefix: | aby_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

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