Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Net Income Attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. After Removing Net Loss from Noncontrolling Interest

The following table reflects the net income/(loss) attributable to NRG Energy, Inc. after removing the net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interest:

	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
	2019		2018		2019		2018
	(In millions)
Income from continuing operations, net of income tax	$	374	$	274	$	656	$	547
(Loss)/income from discontinued operations, net of income tax	(2)		(346)		399		(267)
Net income/(loss) attributable to NRG Energy, Inc.	$	372	$	(72)	$	1,055	$	280

Other Balance Sheet Information

The following table presents the allowance for doubtful accounts included in accounts receivable, net; accumulated depreciation included in property, plant and equipment, net; accumulated amortization included in intangible assets, net and accumulated amortization included in out-of-market contracts, net:

	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Accounts receivable allowance for doubtful accounts	$	57	$	32
Property, plant and equipment accumulated depreciation	1,759		1,811
Intangible assets accumulated amortization	1,215		1,149
Out-of-market contracts accumulated amortization	—		37

Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Funds Deposited by Counterparties

The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and funds deposited by counterparties reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the statements of cash flows:

	September 30, 2019		December 31, 2018
	(In millions)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	243	$	563
Funds deposited by counterparties	30		33
Restricted cash	4		17
Cash and cash equivalents, funds deposited by counterparties and restricted cash shown in the statement of cash flows	$	277	$	613