Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net income (loss)	$ 28	$ (321)	$ 111
Cash flow hedging activities:
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedges before reclassification adjustment for cash flow hedges realized in net income (loss)	40	(22)	(2)
Reclassification adjustment for loss on cash flow hedges realized in net income (loss)	6	48	43
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax	1	0	0
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)	(10)	13	5
Income tax expense	(5)	(6)	(1)
Other comprehensive income	32	33	45
Comprehensive income (loss)	60	(288)	156
Comprehensive (income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest	(21)	(20)	(22)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Calpine	$ 39	$ (308)	$ 134