Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Tsugaru Holdings [Member] Tsugaru Holdings [Member] Tsugaru Holdings [Member] Mont Sainte-Marguerite [Member] Mont Sainte-Marguerite [Member] Mont Sainte-Marguerite [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Consideration Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cash and cash equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Equivalents Restricted cash Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Restricted Cash, Current Assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Restricted Cash, Current Assets Property, plant and equipment, net Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Construction in progress Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Construction In Progress Business Combination Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Construction In Progress Goodwill Goodwill Finite-lived intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite-Lived Intangibles Other assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets Long-term debt (1) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Long-term Debt Deferred revenue (1) Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contract With Customer, Liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contract With Customer, Liability Deferred tax liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Asset retirement obligations Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Asset Retirement Obligation Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Asset Retirement Obligation Other liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Assets and liabilities assumed before noncontrolling interests Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Net Less: noncontrolling interests Business Combination, Acquisition of Less than 100 Percent, Noncontrolling Interest, Fair Value Net assets acquired, net of cash and restricted cash acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired, Goodwill, and Liabilities Assumed, Less Noncontrolling Interest Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Power Purchase Agreements [Member] Power Purchase Agreements [Member] Power Purchase Agreements [Member] Industrial revenue bond tax savings [Member] Industrial revenue bond tax savings [Member] Industrial revenue bond tax savings [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] 2018 (remainder) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, after Year Five Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] 2018 (remainder) Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Two Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Three Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Four Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Five Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Five Thereafter Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, After Year Five Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, After Year Five Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Realized Loss on Designated Derivatives, Net [Member] Realized Loss on Designated Derivatives, Net [Member] Realized Loss on Designated Derivatives, Net [Member] Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gains (losses) recognized in accumulated OCI, Effective portion of change in fair value Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Gains (losses) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Gains (losses) recognized in interest expense, ineffective portion Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Revenue Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Cost of revenue Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Cost of Sales Operating expenses Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Operating Expenses Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Operating Expenses Other expense Equity Method Investment Summarized Financial Information Other Income Expenses Equity method investment summarized financial information other income (expenses). Net income (loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents (Note 8) Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted cash (Note 8) Restricted Cash, Current Counterparty collateral Cash Collateral from Derivative Counterparty The carrying amount of cash collateral received from hedge counterparties in support of energy risk management activities for which there is an offsetting liability within current liabilities. The Company does not have the right to pledge, invest, or use the cash collateral for general corporate purposes. Trade receivables (Note 8) Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Derivative assets, current Derivative Asset, Current Prepaid expenses (Note 8) Prepaid Expense, Current Deferred financing costs, current, net of accumulated amortization of $2,670 and $2,580 as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Debt Issuance Costs, Current, Net Other current assets (Note 8) Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Restricted cash (Note 8) Restricted Cash, Noncurrent Major construction advances Turbine Advances Amounts advanced to turbine suppliers for the manufacture of wind turbines in accordance with turbine supply agreements for the Company's wind power projects and for which the Company has not taken title. Turbine advances are reclassified to construction in progress when the Company takes legal title to the related turbines and are reclassified to property, plant and equipment when the project achieves commercial operation. Depreciation does not commence until projects enter commercial operation and turbine assets are placed in service. Construction in progress Construction in Progress, Gross Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 8) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Unconsolidated investments Equity Method Investments Derivative assets Derivative Asset, Noncurrent Deferred financing costs Debt Issuance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Net deferred tax assets Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Finite-lived intangible assets, net (Note 8) Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Other assets (Note 8) Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities (Note 8) Accounts Payable and Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued construction costs (Note 8) Construction Payable, Current Counterparty collateral liability Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Cash Accrued interest (Note 8) Interest Payable, Current Dividends payable Dividends Payable, Current Derivative liabilities, current Derivative Liability, Current Revolving credit facility, current Line of Credit, Current Current portion of long-term debt, net Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Contingent liabilities, current Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current Other current liabilities (Note 8) Other Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Revolving credit facility Long-term Line of Credit, Noncurrent Long-term debt, net Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Derivative liabilities Derivative Liability, Noncurrent Net deferred tax liabilities Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Finite-lived intangible liabilities, net (Note 8) Finite Lived Intangible Liability Net Amount recognized as an intangible liability when the contract price is lower than the estimated fair value. Contingent liabilities (Note 8) Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Asset retirement obligations (Note 8) Asset Retirement Obligations, Noncurrent Other long-term liabilities (Note 8) Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Advanced lease revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 17) Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share: 500,000,000 shares authorized; 98,095,886 and 97,860,048 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Accumulated loss Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury stock, at cost; 178,783 and 157,812 shares of Class A common stock as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Total equity before noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interest Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Corporate-level interest and commitment fees incurred Interest And Commitment Fees Incurred, Corporate Level Interest And Commitment Fees Incurred, Corporate Level Project-level interest and commitment fees incurred Interest And Commitment Fees Incurred, Project Level Interest And Commitment Fees Incurred, Project Level Capitalized interest, commitment fees, and letter of credit fees Capitalized Interest Commitment Fees And Letter Of Credit Fees Capitalized Interest Commitment Fees And Letter Of Credit Fees Amortization of debt discount/premium, net Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of financing costs Amortization Of Debt Issuance Costs And Construction In Process Amortization Of Debt Issuance Costs And Construction In Process Other interest Interest Expense, Other Interest expense Interest Expense Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss): Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation, net of tax of zero, $3,656, zero and $3,656 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Derivative activity: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax [Abstract] Effective portion of change in fair market value of derivatives, net of tax of ($2,273), ($1,285), ($1,227) and ($1,344), respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Reclassifications to net loss due to de-designation of interest rate derivatives, net of zero tax impact Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Termination of Derivative, Net of Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Termination of Derivative, Net of Tax Reclassifications to net loss, net of tax impact of $279, $351, $618 and $838 respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Net of Tax Total change in derivative activity Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Proportionate share of equity investee’s derivative activity: Other Comprehensive Income Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Proportionate Share Of Equity Investee Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Proportionate Share Of Equity Investee Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Effective portion of change in fair market value of derivatives, net of tax of ($1,505), ($2,075), ($1,980) and ($2,360), respectively Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Gain Loss On Derivatives Arising During Period Net Of Tax Proportionate Share Of Equity Investee Other comprehensive income unrealized gain loss on derivatives arising during period net of tax proportionate share of equity investee. Reclassifications to net loss, net of tax of $375, $672, $1,273 and $2,333, respectively Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI On Derivatives Net Of Tax Proportionate Share Of Equity Investee Other comprehensive income loss reclassification adjustment from aoci on derivatives net of tax proportionate share of equity investee Total change in proportionate share of equity investee's derivative activity Other Comprehensive Income Loss Share Equity Method Investee Net Of Tax Proportionate share of equity investee's other comprehensive (loss) income activity, net of tax benefit (provision). Total other comprehensive income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Less comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Foreign currency translation, net of zero tax impact Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Derivative activity: Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Effective portion of change in fair market value of derivatives, net of tax of $12, ($267), ($96) and ($166), respectively Other Comprehensive Income Loss Unrealized Gain Loss On Derivatives Arising During Period Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive Income Loss Unrealized Gain Loss on Derivatives Arising During Period Netof Tax Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest. Reclassifications to net gain due to de-designation of interest rate derivatives, net of zero tax impact Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Termination of Derivative, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Termination of Derivative, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Reclassifications to net loss, net of tax of $38, $86, $41 and $148, respectively Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI On Derivatives Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI On Derivatives Net Of Tax Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Total change in derivative activity Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Pattern Energy Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net loss Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation, amortization and accretion Depreciation, Amortization and Accretion, Net Impairment expense Asset Impairment Charges Loss (gain) on derivatives Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives and Commodity Contracts Stock-based compensation Share-based Compensation Deferred taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Intraperiod tax allocation Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Intraperiod Tax Allocation Earnings in unconsolidated investments, net Non Cash Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Non Cash Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Distributions from unconsolidated investments Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution Other reconciling items Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Counterparty collateral asset Increase (Decrease) Cash Collateral from Counterparties Trade receivables Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Prepaid expenses Increase (Decrease) in Prepaid Expense and Other Assets Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Other assets (non-current) Increase (Decrease) in Other Noncurrent Assets Advanced lease revenue Increase (Decrease) in Leasing Receivables Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Counterparty collateral liability Increase (decrease) in liability to return cash collateral Increase (decrease) in liability to return cash collateral to derivative counterparty Accrued interest Increase (Decrease) in Interest Payable, Net Other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Contingent liabilities, current Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability, Current Long-term liabilities Increase Decrease In Long Term Liabilities Increase decrease in long term liabilities. Contingent liabilities Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability, Noncurrent Derivatives Increase (Decrease) in Derivative Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash and restricted cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries, net of cash and restricted cash distributed Proceeds from Sale, Maturity and Collection of Investments Payment for construction advances/deposits Payments for Deposits Payment for construction in progress Payments for Construction in Process Payment for property, plant and equipment Payments for Capital Improvements Distributions from unconsolidated investments Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Other assets Payments to Acquire Productive Assets Other assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Investment in Pattern Development 2.0 Payments to Acquire Other Investments Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Proceeds from public offerings, net of issuance costs Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Capital contributions - noncontrolling interest Proceeds from Noncontrolling Interests Capital distributions - noncontrolling interest Payments to Noncontrolling Interests Payment for financing fees Payments of Financing Costs Proceeds from revolving credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Repayment of revolving credit facility Repayments of Lines of Credit Proceeds from long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayment of note payable - related party Repayments of Related Party Debt Repayment of short-term debt Repayments of Short-term Debt Payment for interest rate swaps Payments for Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period Supplemental disclosures Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Cash payments for income taxes Income Taxes Paid Cash payments for interest expense Interest Paid, Net Schedule of non-cash activities Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Change in major construction advances, construction in progress and property, plant and equipment Increase Decrease In Property Plant And Equipment Reclasses within capitalized development costs, CIP and property. Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Pattern Development 2.0 [Member] Pattern Development 2.0 [Member] Pattern Development 2.0 [Member] Tsugaru [Member] Tsugaru [Member] Tsugaru [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Investment in related party Investment in Related Party Investment in Related Party Purchases from related party Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Equity method investment, aggregate cost Equity Method Investment, Aggregate Cost Percentage of ownership Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Development fee Proceeds From Related Party, Development Fee Proceeds From Related Party, Development Fee Schedule of Long Term Debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Reconciliation of Interest Expense Interest expense components [Table Text Block] Interest expense components [Table Text Block] Schedule of Convertible Debt Convertible Debt [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Depreciation expense related to property, plant and equipment Depreciation Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Divested Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Liability Class [Axis] Liability Class [Axis] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Fair Value by Liability Class [Domain] Contingent Consideration Liability [Member] Contingent Consideration Liability [Member] Contingent Consideration Liability [Member] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balances, beginning of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliations, Recurring Basis, Liability Value Purchase Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases Total gain (loss) included in other income (expense), net Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Settlement Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Settlements Balances, end of period Asset Retirement Obligation [Abstract] Asset Retirement Obligation Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Convertible debt [Member] Convertible Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Principal Debt Instrument, Face Amount Unamortized debt discount Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount Unamortized financing costs Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense Carrying value of convertible senior notes Convertible Debt Carrying value of the equity component (1) Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component Equity component of convertible debt issuance costs Equity Component of Convertible Debt Issuance Costs Equity Component of Convertible Debt Issuance Costs Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated Derivative Instruments [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Undesignated Derivative Instruments [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest rate swaps [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Energy derivative [Member] Energy Related Derivative [Member] Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Forward [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Fair Market Value, Assets Current Portion Fair Market Value, Assets Long-Term Portion Fair Market Value, Liabilities Current Portion Fair Market Value, Liabilities Long-Term Portion Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative, Remaining Maturity Derivative, Remaining Maturity AOCL to be reclassified within 12 months Cash Flow Hedge Gain (Loss) to be Reclassified within Twelve Months Nonmonetary notional amount Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Noncontrolling Interest [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Capital [Member] Capital Units [Member] Accumulated Income (Loss) [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] AOCI Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Acquisitions Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Sale of subsidiaries Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Redemptions or Purchase of Interests Distributions to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Other Noncontrolling Interest, Other Adjustments Noncontrolling Interest, Other Adjustments Net loss Other comprehensive income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Ending balance Tax reform, change in tax rate Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Provisional Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Unconsolidated Investments Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Renewable Energy Credits Sales [Member] Renewable Energy Credits Sales [Member] Renewable Energy Credits Sales [Member] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Remaining performance obligation Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation Remaining performance obligation, period Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Cash Consideration Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Debt Assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt, Including Accrued Interest Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Long-term Debt, Including Accrued Interest Contingent Consideration Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Sale of Stock by Subsidiary or Equity Investee [Table] Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Sale of Stock by Subsidiary or Equity Investee [Table] Panhandle Two [Member] Panhandle Two [Member] Panhandle Two [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items] Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items] Class A common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Aggregate sales price Equity Distribution Agreement Maximum Aggregate Sales Price The maximum amount of aggregate sales under the Equity Distribution Agreement Shares sold (in shares) Shares Sold Under the Equity Distribution Agreement Shares Sold Under the Equity Distribution Agreement Aggregate offering price Equity Distribution Agreement Remaining Aggregate Sales Available The remaining amount of aggregate sales available under the Equity Distribution Agreement as of the balance sheet date Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Operating Wind Farms [Member] Operating Wind Farms [Member] Operating Wind Farms [Member] Transmission Line [Member] Transmission Line [Member] Transmission Line [Member] Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment [Member] Furniture Fixtures And Equipment [Member] Furniture Fixtures And Equipment [Member] Land [Member] Land [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, plant and equipment, gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table] Broadview Project [Member] Broadview Project [Member] Broadview Project [Member] Energy Related Derivative [Member] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Valuation Technique [Domain] Discounted Cash Flow [Member] Discounted Cash Flow [Member] Discounted Cash Flow [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items] Energy derivative - fair value Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Contingent consideration - fair value Annual energy production loss Annual energy production loss Percentage of annual energy production loss due to wake effects and transmission losses Discount rate Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Deferred purchase price Fair Value Inputs, Deferred Purchase Price Fair Value Inputs, Deferred Purchase Price Forward electricity price Fair Value Inputs, Price Per MWh Fair Value Inputs, Price Per MWh Schedule of Derivative Instruments Classified as Assets (Liabilities) Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets and Liability Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets and Liability [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets and Liability [Table Text Block] Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Finite-lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Balances, beginning of period Total gain (loss) included in electricity sales Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings Settlements Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements Balances, end of period Summary of Cash Dividends Declared on Class A Common Stock Dividends Declared [Table Text Block] Noncontrolling Interests By Project Noncontrolling Interests By Project [Table Text Block] [Table Text Block] for Noncontrolling Interests By Project [Table] Summary of Noncontrolling Interest Balances Noncontrolling Interest Table [Table Text Block] Noncontrolling Interest Table [Table Text Block] Schedule of Projects Accounted under Equity Method of Accounting Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Aggregate Operating Results of Unconsolidated Investments Schedule of Aggregate Operating Results of Unconsolidated Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Aggregate Operating Results of Unconsolidated Investments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] PEGH 2 Investment [Member] PEGH 2 Investment [Member] PEGH 2 Investment [Member] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Carrying value of unconsolidated investment Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net Accounting Policies [Abstract] Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investments [Table Text Block] Financial Assets and Liabilities Required Fair Value Measurement on Recurring Basis Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring Level 3, Valuation Techniques Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Energy Derivative Contract Measured at Fair Value Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Carrying Amounts and Fair Values of Company's Financial Liabilities Financial Instruments Not Measured At Fair Value Table [Table Text Block] Financial Instruments Not Measured At Fair Value Table [Table Text Block] Other Commitments [Table] Other Commitments [Table] Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Axis] Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Axis] Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Domain] Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Domain] Gulf Wind Re-Powering Commitment [Member] Gulf Wind Re-Powering Commitment [Member] Gulf Wind Re-Powering Commitment [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Power Sale Agreements [Member] Power Sale Agreements [Member] Power Sale Agreements [Member] Project Finance Agreements [Member] Project Finance Agreements [Member] Project Finance Agreements [Member] Turbine Manufacturer [Member] Turbine Manufacturer [Member] Turbine Manufacturer [Member] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Axis] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Lease Arrangement, Type [Domain] Operating Lease, Corporate Headquarters, San Francisco, CA [Member] Operating Lease, Corporate Headquarters, San Francisco, CA [Member] Operating Lease, Corporate Headquarters, San Francisco, CA [Member] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration by Type [Axis] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Contingent Consideration Type [Domain] Continued Operation Of Broadview [Member] Continued Operation Of Broadview [Member] Continued Operation Of Broadview [Member] Continued Operation Of Grady [Member] Continued Operation Of Grady [Member] Continued Operation Of Grady [Member] Other Commitments [Line Items] Other Commitments [Line Items] Operating lease, expense Operating Lease, Expense Operating leases, future minimum payments due Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Maximum purchase price Purchase Agreement, Maximum Purchase Price Purchase Agreement, Maximum Purchase Price Termination date Termination Date Termination Date Letters of credit issued Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Loss contingency accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Contingent liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability Contingent liabilities, current Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Contingent Liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Liabilities, Contingent Liability Contingent liabilities, noncurrent Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Contingent Liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Contingent Liability Schedule of Balances of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract] Pro forma total revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Pro forma total expenses Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Expense Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Expense Pro forma net loss Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Less: pro forma net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss), Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss), Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Pro forma net income attributable to Pattern Energy Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss), Portion Attributable to Parent Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss), Portion Attributable to Parent Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Since Date Of Acquisition [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Since Date Of Acquisition [Abstract] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Since Date Of Acquisition [Abstract] Total revenue Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Total expenses Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Expenses of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Expenses of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Net income Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Actual Net income attributable to Pattern Energy Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Portion Attributable to Parent, Actual Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Portion Attributable to Parent, Actual Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations [Table Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Other Income (Expense) [Member] Other Income (Expense) [Member] Other Income (Expense) [Member] Term Conversion Of Tsugaru Construction Loan [Member] Term Conversion Of Tsugaru Construction Loan [Member] Term Conversion Of Tsugaru Construction Loan [Member] Term Conversion Of Ohorayama Construction Loan [Member] Term Conversion Of Ohorayama Construction Loan [Member] Term Conversion Of Ohorayama Construction Loan [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Additional earn-out payment possible Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Additional Payment Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Additional Payment Increase in additional earn-out payment Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Additional Payment, Increase Per Criteria Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Additional Payment, Increase Per Criteria Decrease in additional earn-out payment Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Additional Payment, Decrease Per Criteria Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Additional Payment, Decrease Per Criteria Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Investing Activities Payment for Contingent Consideration Liability, Investing Activities Fair value of contingent consideration at acquisition date Asset, change in unrealized gain (loss) Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Liability, change in unrealized gain (loss) Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss) Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] El Arrayan SPA [Member] El Arrayan SPA [Member] El Arrayan SPA [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Ownership interest Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Ownership Interest Held, Percentage Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Ownership Interest Held, Percentage Distance of facility from Santiago Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Distance Of Facility From Santiago, Chile Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Distance Of Facility From Santiago, Chile Generating capacity Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Generating Capacity Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Generating Capacity Cash proceeds Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Impairment loss Discontinued Operation, Provision for Loss (Gain) on Disposal, Net of Tax Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Contingent Liabilities, Current [Member] Contingent Liabilities, Current [Member] Contingent Liabilities, Current [Member] Contingent Liabilities, Noncurrent [Member] Contingent Liabilities, Noncurrent [Member] Contingent Liabilities, Noncurrent [Member] Due from related parties Due from Related Parties Due to related parties Due to Related Parties Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Contracts [Table] Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Contracts [Table] Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Contracts [Table] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Contracts [Line Items] Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Contracts [Line Items] [Line Items] for Notional Amount of Outstanding Derivative Contracts [Table] Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Summary of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Other Revenue [Member] Other Revenue [Member] Other Revenue [Member] Project Expense [Member] Project Expense [Member] Project Expense [Member] General and Administrative Expense [Member] General and Administrative Expense [Member] Related Party, General And Administrative Expense [Member] Related Party, General And Administrative Expense [Member] Related Party, General And Administrative Expense [Member] Management fees Revenue from Related Parties MSA reimbursement Related Party Transaction Reimbursement From Transactions With Related Party Related party transaction reimbursement from transactions with related party MSA costs Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning balance of goodwill Net additions during the period(1) Goodwill, Acquired During Period Foreign currency translation adjustment Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Ending balance of goodwill Dividends per share (in dollars per share) Dividends Payable, Amount Per Share Declaration Date Dividends Payable, Date Declared Record Date Dividends Payable, Date of Record Payment Date Dividends Payable, Date to be Paid Foreign currency translation, tax impact Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Tax Effective portion of change in fair market value of derivatives, tax benefit Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax Reclassifications to net loss due to termination of interest rate derivatives, tax impact Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Termination of Derivative, Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Termination of Derivative, Tax Reclassifications to net loss, tax impact Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI on Derivatives, Tax Effective portion of change in fair market value of derivatives, tax benefit - equity investee Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Gain Loss On Derivatives Arising During Period Tax Proportionate Share Of Equity Investee Other comprehensive income unrealized gain loss on derivatives arising during period tax proportionate share of equity investee. Reclassifications to net loss, tax impact - equity investee Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI On Derivatives Tax Proportionate Share Of Equity Investee Other comprehensive income loss reclassification adjustment from aoci on derivatives tax proportionate share of equity investee. Effective portion of change in fair market value of derivatives, tax benefit - noncontrolling interest Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Reclassifications to net gain due to de-designation of interest rate derivatives, tax impact Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Termination of Derivative, Tax, Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Termination of Derivative, Tax, Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Reclassifications to net loss, tax impact - noncontrolling interest Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI On Derivatives Tax Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From AOCI On Derivatives Tax Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign Currency [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Effective Portion of Change in Fair Value of Derivatives [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Proportionate Share of Equity Investee's OCI [Member] Accumulated Proportionate Share Of Equity Investees Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Proportionate Share Of Equity Investees Other Comprehensive Income [Member] AOCI [Member] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss due to de-designation of interest rate swaps Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Ending balance Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Amortization of basis difference for equity method investment Amortization of basis difference for equity method investment Amortization of basis difference for equity method investment Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Gain (loss) on derivatives Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Electricity sales Gain (Loss) on Price Risk Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Gain (loss) on derivatives Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments Schedule Of Description Of Business [Table] Schedule Of Description Of Business [Table] Schedule Of Description Of Business [Table] Pattern Development [Member] Pattern Development [Member] Pattern Development [Member] Hatchet Ridge [Member] Hatchet Ridge Wind LLC [Member] Hatchet Ridge Wind LLC [Member] St Josephs [Member] St Josephs [Member] St Josephs [Member] Spring Valley [Member] Spring Valley [Member] Spring Valley [Member] Pattern Santa Isabel LLC [Member] Santa Isabel [Member] Santa Isabel [Member] Ocotillo [Member] Ocotillo [Member] Ocotillo [Member] Pattern Gulf Wind LLC [Member] Pattern Gulf Wind LLC [Member] Pattern Gulf Wind LLC [Member] Lost Creek Wind, LLC [Member] Lost Creek Wind, LLC [Member] Lost Creek Wind, LLC [Member] Green Power Tsugaru G.K. [Member] Green Power Tsugaru G.K. [Member] Green Power Tsugaru G.K. [Member] Green Power Generation G.K. [Member] Green Power Generation G.K. [Member] Green Power Generation G.K. [Member] GK Green Power Otsuki [Member] GK Green Power Otsuki [Member] GK Green Power Otsuki [Member] GK Green Power Kanagi [Member] GK Green Power Kanagi [Member] GK Green Power Kanagi [Member] GK Green Power Futtsu [Member] GK Green Power Futtsu [Member] GK Green Power Futtsu [Member] Schedule Of Description Of Business [Line Items] Schedule Of Description Of Business [Line Items] Schedule Of Description Of Business [Line Items] Ownership Interest in the Company by Pattern Development Ownership Interest in the Company by Pattern Development Ownership Interest in the Company by Pattern Development Ownership percentage Ownership Percentage Ownership Percentage Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward] Beginning asset retirement obligations Net additions during the period Asset Retirement Obligation, Liabilities Incurred Foreign currency translation adjustment Asset Retirement Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Divested operations Asset Retirement Obligation, Reclassification To Liabilities Held For Sale Asset Retirement Obligation, Reclassification To Liabilities Held For Sale Revision in estimated cash flows Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate Accretion expense Asset Retirement Obligation, Accretion Expense Ending asset retirement obligations Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Class A [Member] Common Class A [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Parent Company [Member] Parent Company [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Loss [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Issuance of Class A common stock, net of issuance costs Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Issuance of Class A common stock, net of issuance costs (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Issuance of Class A common stock under equity incentive award plan Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross Issuance of Class A common stock under equity incentive award plan, shares Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Repurchase of shares for employee tax withholding Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Repurchase of shares for employee tax withholding, shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock-based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Dividends declared Dividends Distributions to noncontrolling interests Other Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Other Other comprehensive income, net of tax Ending balance (in shares) Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Long-term debt excluding revolving credit facility [Member] Long-term debt excluding revolving credit facility [Member] Long term debt excluding revolving credit facility [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Long-term debt, including current portion as reflected on balance sheets Long-term Debt Fair value, Long-term debt, including current portion Long-term Debt, Fair Value Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Unaudited Interim Financial Information Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassification Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Assets Held for Sale Discontinued Operations, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting for Re-powering Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Major Construction Advances Major Construction Advances, Policy [Policy Text Block] Major Construction Advances, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Advanced Lease Revenue Revenue From Contract With Customer [Policy Text Block] Revenue From Contract With Customer [Policy Text Block] Recently Issued Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accumulated amortization of debt financing costs Accumulated Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs, Line of Credit Arrangements Class A common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Class A common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Axis] Other Commitments [Domain] Other Commitments [Domain] Service and Maintenance Agreements [Member] Service and Maintenance Agreements [Member] Service and Maintenance Agreements [Member] Other Commitments [Member] Other Commitments [Member] Other Commitments [Member] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2018 (remainder) Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Other Commitment, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Other Commitment, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2018 (remainder) Other Commitments, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 Other Commitment, Due in Second Year 2020 Other Commitment, Due in Third Year 2021 Other Commitment, Due in Fourth Year 2022 Other Commitment, Due in Fifth Year Thereafter Other Commitment, Due after Fifth Year Total Other Commitment 2018 (remainder) Contractual Obligation, Future Minimum Payments Due, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 Contractual Obligation, Due in Second Year 2020 Contractual Obligation, Due in Third Year 2021 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fourth Year 2022 Contractual Obligation, Due in Fifth Year Thereafter Contractual Obligation, Due after Fifth Year Total Contractual Obligation Limited Partner Interest In Newly-formed Limited Partnership [Member] Limited Partner Interest In Newly-formed Limited Partnership [Member] Limited Partner Interest In Newly-formed Limited Partnership [Member] Pattern MSM GP Holdings, Inc. [Member] Pattern MSM GP Holdings, Inc. [Member] Pattern MSM GP Holdings, Inc. [Member] Pattern Development MSM Management ULC [Member] Pattern Development MSM Management ULC [Member] Pattern Development MSM Management ULC [Member] Mont Sainte-Marguerite Wind Farm LP [Member] Mont Sainte-Marguerite Wind Farm LP [Member] Mont Sainte-Marguerite Wind Farm LP [Member] Affiliate Of Public Sector Pension Investment Board [Member] Affiliate Of Public Sector Pension Investment Board [Member] Affiliate Of Public Sector Pension Investment Board [Member] Public Sector Pension Investment Board [Member] Public Sector Pension Investment Board [Member] Public Sector Pension Investment Board [Member] Broadview [Member] Broadview [Member] Broadview [Member] Western Interconnect [Member] Western Interconnect [Member] Western Interconnect [Member] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Axis] Ownership [Domain] Ownership [Domain] Broadview Holdings' Interest in Broadview [Member] Broadview Holdings' Interest in Broadview [Member] Broadview Holdings' Interest in Broadview [Member] Ohorayama [Member] Ohorayama [Member] Ohorayama [Member] Kanagi [Member] Kanagi [Member] Kanagi [Member] Otsuki [Member] Otsuki [Member] Otsuki [Member] Futtsu [Member] Futtsu [Member] Futtsu [Member] Class B membership interest in Broadview Holdings [Member] Class B membership interest in Broadview Holdings [Member] Class B membership interest in Broadview Holdings [Member] Initial distributable cash flow from Broadview [Member] Initial distributable cash flow from Broadview [Member] Initial distributable cash flow from Broadview [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Aomori Prefecture, Japan [Member] Aomori Prefecture, Japan [Member] Aomori Prefecture, Japan [Member] Kochi Prefecture, Japan [Member] Kochi Prefecture, Japan [Member] Kochi Prefecture, Japan [Member] Shimane Prefecture, Japan [Member] Shimane Prefecture, Japan [Member] Shimane Prefecture, Japan [Member] Chiba Prefecture, Japan [Member] Chiba Prefecture, Japan [Member] Chiba Prefecture, Japan [Member] Meikle [Member] Meikle [Member] Meikle [Member] Meikle Wind Energy Limited Partnership [Member] Meikle Wind Energy Limited Partnership [Member] Meikle Wind Energy Limited Partnership [Member] Meikle and Meikle Wind Energy Corp. [Member] Meikle and Meikle Wind Energy Corp. [Member] Meikle and Meikle Wind Energy Corp. [Member] Generating capacity Generating Capacity Power generation capacity. Liabilities assumed Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Liabilities Transaction costs Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Contingent liability paid Business Combination, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Change in Amount of Contingent Consideration, Liability Decrease in property, plant and equipment Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Property, Plant, and Equipment Decrease in construction in progress Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Construction in Progress Business Combination, Provisional Information, Initial Accounting Incomplete, Adjustment, Construction in Progress Percentage of voting interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Transmission line length Transmission line length Transmission line length Transmission-level voltage Transmission-level voltage Transmission-level voltage Consideration transferred, liabilities incurred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred Long-term debt, gross Long-term Debt, Gross Gain (loss) recognized upon acquisition Business Combination, Separately Recognized Transactions, Net Gains and Losses Capitalized transaction costs Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs Capitalized Business Acquisition, Transaction Costs Capitalized Basis difference Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Finite lived intangible liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite Lived Intangible Liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Finite Lived Intangible Liability Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash - 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