The amount of current credit receivables due from related parties.

No definition available.

Name:	aby_CurrentCreditReceivablesDueFromRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of current trade payables due to related parties.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_CurrentTradePayablesToRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_DetailsOfBalancesWithRelatedPartiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Dividends retained from Abengoa related to the preferred equity investment in Abengoa Concessoes Brasil Holding (ACBH), which is a subsidiary of Abengoa engaged in the development, construction, investment and management of contracted concessions in Brazil, comprised mostly of transmission lines. Retention is based on the underlying investment agreement supported by the additional agreement reached with Abengoa in the third quarter of 2016.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_DividendsRetained
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This element represents income from the purchase and settlement of the long-term operation and maintenance payable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_GainOnSettlementOfLongTermOperationAndMaintenancePayable
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The canceled amount of guarantees previously issued by a related party related to operations of technical nature.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_GuaranteesAmountCanceled
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Refers to guarantees issued by a related party on behalf of or for the benefit of the entity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_GuaranteesAmountRelatedPartyTransactions
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The minimum percentage of ownership in a concessional asset required that will trigger a change of ownership clause for project financing arrangements.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_MinimumOwnershipRequirementPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of non-current credit payables due to related parties

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_NonCurrentCreditPayablesToRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of trade payables related to long-term operation and maintenance services.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_NoncurrentTradePayablesOperationAndMaintenance
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of contingent liabilities recognized that the entity does not separately disclose in the same statement or note.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_OtherContingentObligations
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow for the payment of accrued long-term operation and maintenance payable.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_PaymentForDebtExtinguishment
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of consideration received by Solana as a performance compensation conditioned by a signed consent with DOE.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_PerformanceObligationsConsiderationReceived
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of performance obligations proceeds used for additional repairs of plant.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_PerformanceObligationsProceedsAmountUsedForAdditionalRepairsOfThePlant
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The estimated amount of project debt to be prepaid from performance obligations proceeds.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_PerformanceObligationsProceedsEstimatedPrepaidAmountProjectDebt
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The performance obligations proceeds received resulting from related party transactions.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_PerformanceObligationsReceivedFromRelatedPartyTransactions
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The recognition period of other contingent obligations considered.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_RecognitionPeriodOfOtherContingentObligationsConsidered
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Refers to the replacement amount of guarantees previously issued by Abengoa related to operations of technical nature.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_ReplacementOfGuaranteesAmount
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Period of time Abengoa agreed to maintain any guarantees and letters of credit under a revolving credit line in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	aby_TermToMaintainGuaranteesAndLettersOfCredit
Namespace Prefix:	aby_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of costs associated with financing activities of the entity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Name IAS
-Number 1
-IssueDate 2018-01-01
-Paragraph 82
-Subparagraph b
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2018-03-01&anchor=para_82_b&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2018-03-16

+ Details

Name:	ifrs-full_FinanceCosts
Namespace Prefix:	ifrs-full_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of income associated with interest and other financing activities of the entity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Name IAS
-Number 1
-IssueDate 2018-01-01
-Paragraph 85
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2018-03-01&anchor=para_85&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2018-03-16

+ Details

Name:	ifrs-full_FinanceIncome
Namespace Prefix:	ifrs-full_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of non-current payables due to related parties. [Refer: Related parties [member]; Payables to related parties]

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Name IAS
-Number 1
-IssueDate 2018-01-01
-Paragraph 78
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2018-03-01&anchor=para_78&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2018-03-16

+ Details

Name:	ifrs-full_NoncurrentPayablesToRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix:	ifrs-full_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ifrs-full_RelatedPartyTransactionsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	ifrs-full_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash outflow to settle borrowings, classified as financing activities. [Refer: Borrowings]

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Name IAS
-Number 7
-IssueDate 2018-01-01
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph d
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=7&date=2018-03-01&anchor=para_17_d&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2018-03-16

+ Details

Name:	ifrs-full_RepaymentsOfBorrowingsClassifiedAsFinancingActivities
Namespace Prefix:	ifrs-full_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of revenue arising from the rendering of services in related party transactions. [Refer: Revenue; Related parties [member]]

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Name IAS
-Number 24
-IssueDate 2018-01-01
-Paragraph 21
-Subparagraph c
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=24&date=2018-03-01&anchor=para_21_c&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2018-03-16

+ Details

Name:	ifrs-full_RevenueFromRenderingOfServicesRelatedPartyTransactions
Namespace Prefix:	ifrs-full_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of services received in related party transactions. [Refer: Related parties [member]]

+ References

+ Details

Name:	ifrs-full_ServicesReceivedRelatedPartyTransactions
Namespace Prefix:	ifrs-full_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of current payables due to related parties. [Refer: Related parties [member]; Payables to related parties]

+ References

+ Details

Name:	ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentPayablesToRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix:	ifrs-full_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The amount of current receivables due from related parties. [Refer: Related parties [member]]

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Name IAS
-Number 1
-IssueDate 2018-01-01
-Paragraph 78
-Subparagraph b
-URI http://eifrs.ifrs.org/eifrs/XBRL?type=IAS&num=1&date=2018-03-01&anchor=para_78_b&doctype=Standard
-URIDate 2018-03-16

+ Details

Name:	ifrs-full_TradeAndOtherCurrentReceivablesDueFromRelatedParties
Namespace Prefix:	ifrs-full_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	ifrs-full_CategoriesOfRelatedPartiesAxis=ifrs-full_RelatedPartiesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	ifrs-full_CategoriesOfRelatedPartiesAxis=ifrs-full_SubsidiariesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	ifrs-full_CategoriesOfRelatedPartiesAxis=aby_AbengoaSAMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsMaterialToEntityAxis=aby_SolanaMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	ifrs-full_IntangibleAssetsMaterialToEntityAxis=aby_SolanaAndMojaveMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Related parties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands			1 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
Related parties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 30, 2017	Feb. 24, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Details of Balances [Abstract]
Total non-current payables with related parties					$ 141,031	$ 78,734
Income from the purchase of the long-term operation and maintenance payable						38,955	$ 0
Transactions With Related Party [Abstract]
Financial income						36,603	1,131
Financial expenses						(306,340)	(308,570)
Dividends retained from Abengoa		$ 10,400
Repayment of project debt						248,904	388,755
Related Parties [Member]
Details of Balances [Abstract]
Credit receivables (current)					10,544	8,256
Total current receivables with related parties					10,544	8,256
Trade payables (current)					63,409	39,007
Total current payables with related parties					63,409	39,007
Credit payables (non-current)					141,031	78,734
Total non-current payables with related parties					141,031	78,734
Transactions With Related Party [Abstract]
Dividends retained from Abengoa							10,400
Subsidiaries [Member]
Transactions With Related Party [Abstract]
Services rendered						0	3,495
Services received						(82,506)	(82,012)
Financial income						3,062	36
Financial expenses						(1,042)	$ (898)
Abengoa [Member]
Details of Balances [Abstract]
Accrued Operation and Maintenance payable					57,300
Payment for debt extinguishment						18,300
Income from the purchase of the long-term operation and maintenance payable						$ 39,000
Transactions With Related Party [Abstract]
Term to maintain guarantees and letters of credit						5 years
Guarantees amount						$ 23,000
Guarantees amount replaced			$ 112,000
Guarantees amount canceled			$ 55,000
Abengoa [Member] \| Solana [Member]
Transactions With Related Party [Abstract]
Performance consideration received	$ 120,000
Performance obligations proceeds applied to project debt	95,000
Performance obligations proceeds applied to additional plant repairs	25,000
Other obligations per semester	$ 6,500
Recognition period of other contingent obligations considered						8 years 6 months
Performance obligations proceeds received from Abengoa				$ 77,500	42,500
Repayment of project debt				$ 52,500	$ 42,500
Abengoa [Member] \| Solana and Mojave [Member]
Transactions With Related Party [Abstract]
Minimum ownership requirement percentage	16.00%