v3.8.0.1

Project debt, Details of project debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017
--- | --- | ---
Project debt [Abstract] |  |
Non-current | $ 5,230,432 | $ 5,228,917
Current | 303,328 | 246,291
Total Project debt | $ 5,533,760 | $ 5,475,208

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

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

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