v3.19.1

Project debt, Details of project debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Mar. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018
--- | --- | ---
Project debt [Abstract] |  |
Cash held to satisfy non-recourse debt agreements | $ 259,000 |
Non-current | 4,769,119 | $ 4,826,659
Current | 307,233 | 264,455
Total Project debt | $ 5,076,352 | $ 5,091,114

X
- Definition The amount of cash held to satisfy the customary requirements of certain non-recourse debt agreements. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | aby_CashHeldForNonRecourseDebt
Namespace Prefix: | aby_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

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