Equity - Classification of Assets and Liabilities (Details) - Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	$ 281,729
Total Liabilities	180,301
Total current assets
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	159,688
Cash and cash equivalents
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	16,850
Accounts receivable
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	79,744
Other current assets
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	63,094
Total non-current assets
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	122,041
Goodwill
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	79,556
Other assets
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Assets	42,485
Total current liabilities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	164,820
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	78,511
Intercompany payable with Spark Energy, Inc.
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	5,555
Current portion of Senior Credit Facility
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	49,269
Contingent consideration
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	11,464
Other current liabilities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	20,021
Total long-term liabilities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	15,481
Convertible subordinated notes to affiliates
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	6,542
Contingent consideration
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	7,472
Other long-term liabilities
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total Liabilities	$ 1,467