CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE COMPANY (Details 3) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Statements of operations      
Revenues $ 74,517 $ 85,388 $ 54,597
Cost of revenues 35,357 35,795 31,314
Gross profit 39,160 49,593 23,283
Operating expenses:      
General and administrative expenses (including share-based compensation expense) (13,258) (20,348) (28,896)
Total operating expenses (16,807) (20,348) (51,874)
Operating (loss) income 22,353 29,245 (28,591)
Interest income 98 84 101
Interest expense (22,568) (28,070) (24,757)
Changes in fair value of warrant liabilities 839 (399) 951
Exchange (loss) gain (41) 28 (851)
Gain from disposal of subsidiaries   2,767  
Other income, net 275 507 (334)
(Loss) income before income tax expense 956 1,395 (53,481)
Income tax expense (3,474) (6,451) (1,527)
Net loss attributable to China Hydroelectric Corporation shareholders (2,221) (1,243) (45,389)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax      
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of income tax expense of nil in 2011, 2012 and 2013) 12,395 (1,413) 20,394
Defined benefit pension plans (net of income tax expense of nil in 2011, 2012 and 2013)   33 (33)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 12,395 (1,380) 20,361
Comprehensive (loss) income 9,877 (2,529) (34,929)
Company
     
Statements of operations      
Cost of revenues (7)    
Gross profit (7)    
Operating expenses:      
General and administrative expenses (including share-based compensation expense) (3,929) (7,324) (18,247)
Total operating expenses (3,936) (7,324) (18,247)
Operating (loss) income (3,936) (7,324) (18,247)
Equity in (losses) profits of subsidiaries 1,022 3,662 (27,395)
Interest income   3 66
Interest expense (4) (142) (23)
Changes in fair value of warrant liabilities 839 (399) 951
Exchange (loss) gain 6 30 (580)
Gain from disposal of subsidiaries   3,726  
Other income, net 152 293 375
(Loss) income before income tax expense (1,921) (151) (44,853)
Income tax expense (300) (1,092) (536)
Net loss attributable to China Hydroelectric Corporation shareholders (2,221) (1,243) (45,389)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax      
Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of income tax expense of nil in 2011, 2012 and 2013) 12,462 (1,404) 20,079
Defined benefit pension plans (net of income tax expense of nil in 2011, 2012 and 2013)   33 (33)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 12,462 (1,371) 20,046
Comprehensive (loss) income $ 10,241 $ (2,614) $ (25,343)