Net volumes related to price risk management activities (Details) MWh in Millions, MMBTU in Millions, CAD in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015 CAD MMBTU MWh	Dec. 31, 2014 CAD MMBTU MWh
Commodity contracts: [Abstract]
Electricity \| MWh	12	16
Natural gas \| MMBTU	124	127
Foreign currency exchange \| CAD	CAD 7	CAD 7

Net amount associated with the reporting entity's derivative instruments recorded as of the balance sheet date having arisen from price risk management activities related to foreign currency.

No definition available.

Name:	por_VolumeRelatedtoDerivativeInstrumentsHeldatBalanceSheetDateForeignCurrency
Namespace Prefix:	por_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant