v3.8.0.1
Nature of the business, Description (Details)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
 12 Months Ended
May 14, 2015
$ / shares
Jan. 22, 2015
USD ($)
$ / shares
Jun. 18, 2014
USD ($)
$ / shares
shares
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2014
USD ($)
ConcessionalAsset
Feb. 28, 2017
Nature of the business [Abstract]            
Shares issued (in shares) | shares     24,850,000      
Share price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares $ 33.14   $ 29      
Proceeds from issuing shares     $ 720,650      
Interest consideration transferred           12.50%
Subsidiary of Abengoa [Member]            
Nature of the business [Abstract]            
Shares purchased by underwriters (in shares) | shares     3,727,500      
Total proceeds from offering     $ 828,748      
Abengoa [Member]            
Nature of the business [Abstract]            
Ownership interest       41.47%    
Share price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares   $ 31        
Proceeds from issuing shares   $ 327,980        
Number of concessional assets contributed | ConcessionalAsset         10  
Interest consideration transferred         64.28%  
Cash consideration transferred         $ 655,300  
Cash retained for liquidity purposes         $ 30,000