Document and Entity Information (USD $)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Mar. 18, 2014
Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information:      
Entity Registrant Name PLUG POWER INC    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2013    
Amendment Flag false    
Entity Central Index Key 0001093691    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   143,848,173  
Entity Public Float     $ 30,259,968
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer    
Entity Current Reporting Status No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2013    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY