v3.10.0.1
Grants and other liabilities (Details)
$ in Thousands
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Type
Sep. 30, 2017
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Oct. 02, 2013
USD ($)
Grants and other liabilities [Abstract]        
Grants $ 1,167,773   $ 1,225,877  
Other Liabilities 485,678   410,183  
Grant and other non-current liabilities $ 1,653,451   1,636,060  
Number of grant types | Type 2      
Income from grants $ 44,577 $ 44,827    
Solana and Mojave [Member]        
Grants and other liabilities [Abstract]        
Income from grants 44,500 $ 44,700    
U.S. Department of Treasury [Member]        
Grants and other liabilities [Abstract]        
Grants 747,000   771,000  
Federal Financing Bank [Member]        
Grants and other liabilities [Abstract]        
Grants 419,000   452,000  
Liberty Interactive Corporation [Member]        
Grants and other liabilities [Abstract]        
Grant and other non-current liabilities 369,000   $ 352,000  
Class A membership investment       $ 300,000
Finance lease liabilities $ 56,000