Acquisitions - Schedule of Proforma Data (Details) - Tsugaru Holdings [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2017
Jun. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2017
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]        
Pro forma total revenue $ 139,940 $ 115,185 $ 255,334 $ 222,228
Pro forma total expenses (141,714) (130,957) (269,068) (235,797)
Pro forma net loss (1,774) (15,772) (13,734) (13,569)
Less: pro forma net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (34,492) (28,759) (182,828) (31,801)
Pro forma net income attributable to Pattern Energy 32,718 $ 12,987 169,094 $ 18,232
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information, Since Date Of Acquisition [Abstract]        
Total revenue 29,059   49,937  
Total expenses (26,324)   (46,829)  
Net income 2,735   3,108  
Less: net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (17,004)   (38,577)  
Net income attributable to Pattern Energy $ 19,739   $ 41,685