Document and Entity Information
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Aug. 06, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]    
Entity Registrant Name PLUG POWER INC  
Entity Central Index Key 0001093691  
Trading Symbol plug  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Voluntary Filers No  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer  
Entity Well-Known Seasoned Issuer No  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   37,981,961
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Period End Date Jun. 30, 2012  
Amendment Flag false  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2012  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q2