Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (13)	$ (125)
Cash flow hedging activities:
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges before reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges realized in net loss	(13)	4
Reclassification adjustment for loss on cash flow hedges realized in net loss	13	9
Foreign currency translation loss	(6)	(2)
Income tax benefit	0	1
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(6)	12
Comprehensive loss	(19)	(113)
Comprehensive (income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(4)	(1)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Calpine	$ (23)	$ (114)