Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 141	$ (70)	$ 128	$ (195)
Cash flow hedging activities:
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges before reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges realized in net income (loss)	(22)	38	(35)	42
Reclassification adjustment for loss on cash flow hedges realized in net income (loss)	13	10	26	19
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	6	(5)	0	(7)
Income tax benefit	0	2	0	3
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(3)	45	(9)	57
Comprehensive income (loss)	138	(25)	119	(138)
Comprehensive (income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(1)	(4)	(5)	(5)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Calpine	$ 137	$ (29)	$ 114	$ (143)