Acquisition Schedule of Proforma Data (Details) - Meikle [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2017
Sep. 30, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]    
Pro forma total revenue $ 94,820 $ 312,116
Pro forma total expenses (144,170) (376,980)
Pro forma net loss (49,350) (64,864)
Less: pro forma net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (19,025) (52,694)
Pro forma net loss attributable to Pattern Energy (30,325) (12,170)
Total revenue 16,556 25,357
Total expenses (22,859) (35,856)
Net loss (6,303) (10,499)
Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (7,019) (11,274)
Net income attributable to Pattern Energy $ 716 $ 775